Town of Southport

Southport is an island town in Lincoln County, incorporated on February 12, 1842 from a portion of the town of Boothbay. Born under the name of Townsend, it changed to Southport on June 12, 1850.

It is connected by a bridge to Boothbay and the casual visitor might not assume the town was on an island.

Cape Newagen, at the southern tip of Southport Island, was apparently visited very early by European fishermen, including those who frequented Damariscove Island just off-shore.

Squirrel Island is a self-governing village corporation within the town. No automobiles are allowed, through residents may use small carts to deliver groceries to their cottages along well kept walkways.

Originally a fishing and lumbering area, some prosperous gentlemen from Lewiston discovered its vacation potential, bought it, and eventually the somewhat exclusive community was created.

From Maine: An Encyclopedia (www.themaineencyclopedia.com)