Stonington, Maine

Last updated

Stonington, Maine
View from Green Head, Stonington, ME.jpg
View of the waterfront c.1915
USA Maine location map.svg
Red pog.svg
Stonington, Maine
Location within the state of Maine
Coordinates: 44°09′22″N68°40′00″W / 44.15611°N 68.66667°W / 44.15611; -68.66667
Country United States
State Maine
County Hancock
Incorporated 1897
Area
[1]
  Total37.84 sq mi (98.01 km2)
  Land9.81 sq mi (25.41 km2)
  Water28.03 sq mi (72.60 km2)
Elevation
20 ft (6 m)
Population
 (2020)
  Total1,056
  Density108/sq mi (41.6/km2)
Time zone UTC−5 (Eastern (EST))
  Summer (DST) UTC−4 (EDT)
ZIP Code
04681
Area code 207
FIPS code 23-74580
GNIS feature ID0582751

Stonington is a town in Hancock County, Maine, United States. It is located on the southern portion of the island of Deer Isle. The population was 1,056 at the 2020 census. [2] It includes the villages of Burnt Cove, Oceanville, Green Head, and Clam City. A picturesque working waterfront and tranquil tourist destination in eastern Penobscot Bay, Stonington has consistently ranked among the top lobster ports in the country and is the largest lobster port in Maine. In 2011, 14,854,989 pounds of lobster were landed by Stonington fishermen, with a value of $46.3 million. [3]

Contents

Deer Isle Settlement

As far back as 6,100 years ago the first inhabitants of Deer Isle were Native Americans known as the Abenaki, speaking a language called Etchemin. One of the first Europeans to explore the area was Estevan Gomez, a Portuguese working for the Spanish Crown. [4] Gomez sailed his ship La Anunciada up the Eggemoggin Reach, amongst other places along the Maine coast, looking for gold and the Northwest Passage. It was the French, however, who would be the most active in the region. Establishing a fort at Castine and intermarrying with Abenaki natives. A body buried in full French armor was discovered on nearby Campbell Island (+44° 13' 20.03", −68° 36' 33.24", south of Oak Point).

The first white settler of Deer Isle was one William Eaton (born 1720 Salisbury, Massachusetts, died c.1790 Seabrook, New Hampshire) and family, arriving on the island prior to August 4, 1762. They settled in an area now known as Scott's Landing (so named for the second owner of the property: Nathaniel Scott) located near the Deer Isle/Little Deer Isle Causeway. By 1765, migration to Deer Isle had begun in earnest and Eaton, along with 16 other families, petitioned the governing state of Massachusetts for legal title to the land. The largest group of these first settlers came from Newburyport, Massachusetts and were mostly of Scottish and Irish descent. [5] Ironically, those settlers had come looking for a new life on the land, not the sea. A few cellar holes and foundation stones from the original homesteads can still be found at Scott's Landing and the land they cleared is still open. Settlers continued their southward migration on the island and eventually established the village of Green's Landing (as Stonington was initially known) after 1800. [6]

Green's Landing

Settlement

Hundred-acre "proprietor lots" were granted to those who first settled the island, accelerating the southward migration with the promise of new land. Within a few decades, the yields of acidic soil of the original proprietor lots began to decline and inhabitants of the island took to the sea. Green's Landing, settled c.1800, was established by a few pioneering souls on the rocky, windswept southern shore of the island. That sparsely populated village became active in shipbuilding, seafaring, fishing and lobster fishing.

Granite

A barren settlement, Green's Landing changed little in its first 70 or so years; c.1870, granite quarrying became a major occupation and little Green's Landing became a boom town. Europeans, mainly from Italy, immigrated to Green's Landing to implement their old-world skills as stonecutters and masons at the numerous in-town granite quarries. As the demand for stone increased, quarrying moved off-shore to the southerly surrounding islands. Crotch Island (+44° 8' 25.20", −68° 40' 17.26"), the best known island quarry, was one of 33 major island quarries along the Maine coast, providing work for an estimated 10,000 to 15,000 people. Stone excavated in the area has been used to build important structures across the country, including the approaches to the Brooklyn Bridge (1880s), Croton Aqueduct (NY, 1880), Holyoke Dam (Holyoke, Massachusetts, 1890s), piers for Manhattan/Brooklyn Bridge (Manhattan, 1905), Museum of Fine Arts (Boston, 1907), Rockefeller fountain bowl (Pocantico, New York, 1913), John F. Kennedy Eternal Flame, (Arlington County, Virginia, 1966) [7] and the new Yankee Stadium [8] among many others. Some other major quarries in operation at the time were The Settlement Quarry (on Deer Isle), Green Island Quarry, and St. Helena Quarry (both separate island quarries).

1907 Photo Postcard of Stonington, Maine. Downtown Main street looking west. 1907 Photo Postcard of Stonington, Maine. Downtown Main street looking west..jpg
1907 Photo Postcard of Stonington, Maine. Downtown Main street looking west.

Boom Town

Many of the new immigrants lived in hotels and large boarding houses built for that purpose at Green's Landing, the current Tewksbury Building being one of many still in use. Some of these new migrants were housed in bunkhouses on Crotch Island itself. Prior to building the Deer Isle-Sedwick bridge and causeway in 1939, the settlement's primary link to the outside world was Steamboat Wharf, located west of the main harbor. Once busy with vessels arriving daily from ports such as Rockland and Boston, it was the primary terminus for freight and passengers.

Lobstering & Seafaring

Sailors on the island became renowned for their maritime skills. Full crews for two America's Cup teams were recruited from Deer Isle for the victorious America's Cup Races of 1895 on The Defender and again in 1899 on Columbia. The Stonington harbor has long been filled with Friendship Sloops among other boat designs, powered by sail only. Lobstermen once used them to haul traps. Most of their trips were to the outer islands (like York Island) near Isle au Haut, fishing during the week and returning to the harbor on weekends. This changed with the advent of gasoline or diesel engines, along with new hull designs, which enabled fishermen to make day trips to fishing grounds in Penobscot Bay. [9]

Stonington Incorporation

Harbor view c. 1910 Harbor View, Stonington, ME.jpg
Harbor view c.1910

On February 18, 1897, Green's Landing was set off and incorporated by the Maine State Legislature as Stonington—named for its granite quarries.

Geography

According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 37.84 square miles (98.01 km2), of which 9.81 square miles (25.41 km2) is land and 28.03 square miles (72.60 km2) is water. [1] Located on the southern end of Deer Isle, Stonington is situated in Penobscot Bay and the Gulf of Maine, part of the Atlantic Ocean. Stonington is the southern terminus of State Route 15, which passes through the town of Deer Isle and across the Deer Isle Bridge to the mainland.

Demographics

Historical population
CensusPop.Note
1900 1,648
1910 2,03823.7%
1920 1,353−33.6%
1930 1,4184.8%
1940 1,4935.3%
1950 1,66011.2%
1960 1,408−15.2%
1970 1,291−8.3%
1980 1,273−1.4%
1990 1,252−1.6%
2000 1,152−8.0%
2010 1,043−9.5%
2020 1,0561.2%
U.S. Decennial Census [10]

2010 census

Old High School c. 1910 Old High School, Stonington, ME.jpg
Old High School c.1910

As of the census [11] of 2010, there were 1,043 people, 515 households, and 305 families residing in the town. The population density was 106.3 inhabitants per square mile (41.0/km2). There were 993 housing units at an average density of 101.2 per square mile (39.1/km2). The racial makeup of the town was 97.0% White, 0.2% African American, 0.1% Native American, 0.3% Asian, 0.1% Pacific Islander, 0.4% from other races, and 1.9% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.4% of the population.

There were 515 households, of which 19.8% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 48.7% were married couples living together, 7.2% had a female householder with no husband present, 3.3% had a male householder with no wife present, and 40.8% were non-families. 34.2% of all households were made up of individuals, and 14.2% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.03 and the average family size was 2.56.

The median age in the town was 50.7 years. 14.8% of residents were under the age of 18; 6.2% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 19.6% were from 25 to 44; 35.8% were from 45 to 64; and 23.4% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the town was 49.7% male and 50.3% female.

2000 census

As of the census [12] of 2000, there were 1,152 people, 502 households, and 326 families residing in the town. The population density was 117.5 inhabitants per square mile (45.4/km2). There were 909 housing units at an average density of 92.7 per square mile (35.8/km2). The racial makeup of the town was 96.79% White, 0.09% African American, 0.61% Native American, 0.43% Asian, 1.48% from other races, and 0.61% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.87% of the population.

There were 502 households, out of which 28.5% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 52.2% were married couples living together, 9.2% had a female householder with no husband present, and 34.9% were non-families. 28.1% of all households were made up of individuals, and 14.1% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.29 and the average family size was 2.78.

In the town the population was spread out, with 23.4% under the age of 18, 6.9% from 18 to 24, 25.1% from 25 to 44, 26.4% from 45 to 64, and 18.3% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 42 years. For every 100 females there were 88.2 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 92.8 males.

The median income for a household in the town was $28,894, and the median income for a family was $34,375. Males had a median income of $27,500 versus $19,063 for females. The per capita income for the town was $15,634. About 9.6% of families and 12.7% of the population were below the poverty line, including 10.6% of those under age 18 and 16.5% of those age 65 or over.

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Penobscot County, Maine</span> County in Maine, United States

Penobscot County is a county in the U.S. state of Maine, named for the Penobscot people in Wabanakik. As of the 2020 census, the population was 152,199, making it the third-most-populous county in Maine. Its county seat is Bangor. The county was established on February 15, 1816, from part of Hancock County when the area was still part of Massachusetts. Penobscot County is home to the University of Maine.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Hancock County, Maine</span> County in Maine, United States

Hancock County is a county located in the U.S. state of Maine. As of the 2020 census, the population was 55,478. Its county seat is Ellsworth. The county was incorporated on June 25, 1789, and named for John Hancock, the first governor of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Brooksville, Maine</span> Town in the state of Maine, United States

Brooksville is a town on Penobscot Bay in Hancock County, Maine, United States. As of the 2020 census, the town population was 935. It contains the villages of North Brooksville, South Brooksville, West Brooksville, Brooksville Corner, and Harborside.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Deer Isle, Maine</span> Town in the state of Maine, United States

Deer Isle is a town in Hancock County, Maine, United States. The population was 2,194 at the 2020 census. Notable landmarks in Deer Isle are the Haystack Mountain School of Crafts, Stonington Opera House, and the town's many art galleries.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Penobscot, Maine</span> Town in the state of Maine, United States

Penobscot is a town in Hancock County, Maine, United States. The Bagaduce River flows through the town. The population was 1,136 at the 2020 census.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Sedgwick, Maine</span> Town in the state of Maine, United States

Sedgwick is a town in Hancock County, Maine, United States. The population was 1,202 at the 2020 census. The town includes the village of Sargentville.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Verona Island, Maine</span> Town in Maine, United States

Verona Island is a town located on an island of the same name in the Penobscot River in Hancock County, Maine, United States. The population was 507 at the 2020 census.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Isle au Haut, Maine</span> Town in the state of Maine, United States

Isle au Haut is a town in Knox County, Maine, United States, on an island of the same name in Penobscot Bay. The population was 92 at the 2020 census. Home to portions of Acadia National Park, Isle au Haut is accessible by ferry from Stonington.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">North Haven, Maine</span> Town in the state of Maine, United States

North Haven is a town and island in Knox County, Maine, United States, in Penobscot Bay. The town is both a year-round island community and a prominent summer colony. The population was 417 at the 2020 census. North Haven is accessible by thrice-daily state ferry service from Rockland, or by air taxi from Knox County Regional Airport.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Rockland, Maine</span> City in Maine, United States

Rockland is a city in and the county seat of Knox County, Maine, United States. As of the 2020 census, the town population was 6,936. The city is a popular tourist destination. It is a departure point for the Maine State Ferry Service to the islands of Penobscot Bay: Vinalhaven, North Haven and Matinicus.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">St. George, Maine</span> Town in the state of Maine, United States

St. George is a town in Knox County, Maine, United States. It includes the villages of Port Clyde and Tenants Harbor, with the latter being town's commercial center. A favorite with artists, writers and naturalists, St. George is home to the Brothers and Hay Ledge nature preserve, comprising four islands off Port Clyde. The town's population stands at 2,594 residents, according to the 2020 Census.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Vinalhaven, Maine</span> Town in the state of Maine, United States

Vinalhaven is a town in Knox County, Maine, United States. Its town limits include the island of Vinalhaven, the largest of the Fox Islands, and smaller islands, some accessible from Vinalhaven island by bridge or causeway. The population was 1,279 at the 2020 census. It is home to a thriving lobster fishery and hosts a summer colony. Since there is no bridge to the island, Vinalhaven is primarily accessible from Rockland via an approximately 75-minute state ferry ride across West Penobscot Bay, or by air taxi from Knox County Regional Airport.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Old Town, Maine</span> City in Maine, United States

Old Town is a city in Penobscot County, Maine, United States. The population was 7,431 at the 2020 census. The city's developed area is chiefly located on the relatively large Marsh Island, but its boundaries extend beyond it. The island is surrounded and defined by the Penobscot River to the east and the Stillwater River to the west.

Orrington is a town on the Penobscot River estuary in Penobscot County, Maine, United States. The population was 3,812 at the 2020 census.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Frankfort, Maine</span> Town in the state of Maine, United States

Frankfort is a town on the Penobscot River estuary in Waldo County, Maine, United States. The population was 1,231 at the 2020 census.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Prospect, Maine</span> Town in the state of Maine, United States

Prospect is a town in Waldo County, Maine, United States. The population was 698 at the 2020 census.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Millinocket, Maine</span> Town in the state of Maine, United States

Millinocket is a town in Penobscot County, Maine, United States. The population was 4,114 at the 2020 census.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Blue Hill, Maine</span> Town in the state of Maine, United States

Blue Hill is a town in Hancock County, Maine, United States, located on Blue Hill Bay. The population was 2,792 at the 2020 census. It is home to the Blue Hill Public Library, Blue Hill Memorial Hospital, George Stevens Academy, the Blue Hill Harbor School, The Bay School, New Surry Theatre, Kneisel Hall, Bagaduce Music Lending Library, the Kollegewidgwok Yacht Club, the Shaw Institute and the Blue Hill Country Club. The town also hosts the annual Blue Hill Fair.

Bucksport is a census-designated place (CDP) in the town of Bucksport in Hancock County, Maine, United States. The population was 2,885 at the 2010 census, down from 2,970 at the 2000 census.

Milford is a town in Penobscot County, Maine, United States. It is located across the Penobscot River from the city of Old Town. The population of Milford was 3,069 at the 2020 census. The town's slogan is the "Best little town by a dam site," referring to the Milford Dam abutting Milford on the Penobscot River, south of the Penobscot Indian Island Reservation.

References

  1. 1 2 "US Gazetteer files 2010". United States Census Bureau . Retrieved December 16, 2012.
  2. "Census - Geography Profile: Stonington town, Hancock County, Maine" . Retrieved January 21, 2022.
  3. "Stonington top lobster port for fourth consecutive year: $46,343,219" Island Advantages 2012, accessed Jan 2013
  4. Ann Rea, Estevan Gomez, Navigator and Explorer; Bangor Area Information Resources Network
  5. Spoffard-Watts, Edith (1997). Deer Isle, Maine 'From Pre-History to the Present'. Penobscot Press. pp. 17–21. ISBN   0-89725-310-8.
  6. Coolidge, Austin J.; John B. Mansfield (1859). A History and Description of New England. Boston, Massachusetts: A.J. Coolidge. pp.  103–104. coolidge mansfield history description new england 1859.
  7. "DEER ISLE GRANITE INSTALLATIONS". July 22, 2013. Retrieved December 15, 2013.
  8. Osgood, Kris (April 22, 2009). "Maine granite graces YankeeStadium". The Working Waterfront. Retrieved June 28, 2013.
  9. Maine.gov -- Stonington, Maine
  10. "Census of Population and Housing". Census.gov. Retrieved June 4, 2015.
  11. "U.S. Census website". United States Census Bureau . Retrieved December 16, 2012.
  12. "U.S. Census website". United States Census Bureau . Retrieved January 31, 2008.

Further reading