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York, ME

Frequently asked questions

York, ME

York is a town in York County, Maine, United States, near the southern tip of the state. The population in the 2020 census was 13,723. Situated beside the Atlantic Ocean on the Gulf of Maine, York is a well-known summer resort town. It is home to three 18-hole golf clubs, four sandy beaches, and Mount Agamenticus. From south to north, it is divided into the villages of Bald Head, York Village, York Harbor, York Beach, and Cape Neddick. York is part of the Portland metropolitan area.

First settled by Europeans in 1624, the plantation was originally called Agamenticus, the Abenaki term for the York River. In 1638, settlers changed the name to Bristol after Bristol, England, from which they had immigrated. Envisioning a great city arising from the wilderness, Sir Ferdinando Gorges, lord proprietor of Maine under the Plymouth patent, named the capital of his province Gorgeana. On March 1, 1642, by the charter of King Charles I, Gorgeana became the first incorporated city in America.

Following Gorges' death, the Massachusetts Bay Colony claimed its dominion. In 1652, York, Massachusetts, was incorporated from a portion of Gorgeana, making it the second oldest town in Maine after Kittery, incorporated two years earlier. It was named for York, England; however, control of the region was contested between New England and New France, which incited Native Americans to attack English settlements throughout the French and Indian Wars.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 131.78 square miles (341.31 km2), of which 54.67 square miles (141.59 km2) is land and 77.11 square miles (199.71 km2) is water. The York watershed drains into the York River. The highest point in town is Mount Agamenticus, with an elevation of 692 feet (211 meters) above sea level. A road travels to the summit, where miles of hiking, biking, and horse-riding trails are available. The lowest point in town is sea level, along the coastline with the Atlantic Ocean. York lies about 44 miles (71 km) south of Portland, 98 miles (158 km) south of Augusta, and 65 miles (105 km) north of Boston.

Health and wellness are integral aspects of life in York. York Hospital serves as a cornerstone of healthcare services for the community, providing comprehensive medical care to residents and visitors alike. The town's coastal location offers a serene environment conducive to well-being. Residents can enjoy the refreshing sea breeze and engage in outdoor activities along the picturesque coastline. York also boasts several parks and green spaces, providing opportunities for relaxation, exercise, and community gatherings. The town's commitment to a healthy lifestyle is reflected in its recreational offerings and emphasis on natural beauty.

The top sites in York, ME are York's Wild Kingdom, Mount Agamenticus, and Hartley Mason Reserve.

Population: 13,723 (2020). ZIP Code: 03909. Area code: 207. Elevation: 190 ft (60 m). Incorporated: 1652. Area: 131.78 sq mi (341.3 km2).

FAQs

Is York, Maine worth visiting?

This town has a lot to offer, so if you are planning on visiting, or if you are already a resident, York is one of the most relaxing places in Maine to be. York is known for its delicious restaurants, gorgeous beaches, and the Nubble Lighthouse. Situated on I-95, just a short distance from Portsmouth, it is effortless to navigate and has plenty of attractions for people of all ages!

How many beaches are in York, ME?

The York Beach area consists of Long Sands and Short Sands beaches on the Atlantic Ocean in the Gulf of Maine. The two beaches are separated by Cape Neddick. Cape Neddick and York Beach together comprise the Cape Neddick census-designated place, with a year-round population of 2,568. The town of York consists of the communities of York Beach, Cape Neddick, York Harbour, and the village of York.

What is the history of York, ME?

York was first settled by the province of Maine’s first governor, Edward Godfrey, in 1630. Over the next 20 years, the settlement would grow into a town with a population of around 200. Before it was named York, it was called Agamenticus, which the Abenaki people called the York River. After that, English settlers changed the area’s name to Bristol, but its name had been changed once more to York by the time it was incorporated in 1652. This made York the second oldest town in the state of Maine, just behind Kittery, which was incorporated in 1647.

Sources

Wikipedia

Town of York, Maine

York Hospital

Britannica

York's Wild Kingdom

Mount Agamenticus

Hartley Mason Reserve

Southern Maine Coast

Stage Neck Inn

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