Edgecomb’s 250th anniversary celebration will live in perpetuity as part of the Congressional Record. On July 23, U.S. Sen Susan Collins (R – Maine) read her congratulations to Edgecomb celebrating its 250 anniversary on the Senate floor. On Aug. 7, Allyson Cavaretta, state office representative for Collins, provided Edgecomb selectmen with a copy of Collins’ remarks and read it aloud for residents attending the board meeting.

Cavaretta read, “In 1774, just two years before America declared its independence, a small village on the Maine coast incorporated and took the name of Lord George Edgcumbe, a British naval hero and political leader who was known as a devoted friend of the colonies. Today, it is a pleasure to join the people of Edgecomb, Maine, in celebrating the 250th anniversary of a community that is a wonderful place to live, work, and raise families.

“Edgecomb has a rich history. For thousands of years, the land where the Sheepscot and Damariscotta rivers meet the sea was the hunting and fishing grounds of the Abenaki. Originally called Freetown due to the pro bono success of a Boston lawyer in defeating baseless deed challenges by land speculators, the early settlers farmed the fertile soil and put those rivers to work powering mills for grain and lumber. That early prosperity was invested in schools and churches to make a true community.

“As the town grew, so did the range of industries to include brickmaking, canning, tanneries, and shipyards. In addition to valuable granite, mica, and quartz, the land was found to contain rich deposits of the highest quality feldspar, used in the manufacture of fine China. Today, Edgecomb and the neighboring communities are home to ceramic artists whose work is prized by collectors around the world.

“Edgecomb is home to many outstanding examples of New England architecture with several listings on the National Register of Historic Places, including the revered Edgecomb Community Church. One of the most fascinating buildings is the so-called Marie Antoinette House. In 1793, according to legend, a local sea captain named Stephen Clough planned to rescue the doomed queen and take her to the stately house on the Sheepscot River that he had outfitted with the finest French decor.

“Tragically, she was arrested before Captain Clough could put his daring plan into action. Perhaps the building with the greatest historical significance is Fort Edgecomb, an octagonal blockhouse built in 1808 and 1809 to protect shipyards during a time of ongoing tension with Great Britain. Crucial to the defense of New England during the War of 1812 and the Civil War, the fort is now a popular state park.

“Edgecomb’s historic connection to America’s freedom continues today. Last year, the town, along with neighboring communities, launched a new tradition by decorating streets and roadways with more than 350 banners paying tribute to the region’s veterans.

“Maine is known as Vacationland, and Edgecomb perfectly fits that picture. With beautiful rivers for kayaking and canoeing, several nature preserves for hiking and wildlife-watching, along with great food and shopping, there is always something to do. The energy and planning going into the town’s yearlong 250th anniversary celebration demonstrates the pride townspeople have in their town.

“Edgecomb’s 250th anniversary is a time to celebrate the people who pulled together, cared for one another, and built a great community. Thanks
to those who came before, Edgecomb, Maine has a wonderful history. Thanks to those there today, it has a bright future,” wrote Collins.