Where Maine History Comes Alive!

The Woolwich Historical Society

Woolwich’s rich history begins in the early 1600’s, when the first permanent settlements were established in Woolwich.  Prior to that time, there had been exploration, but no permanent European settlement had been established.  Of course, there had been Native American settlements in the region long before that time.  This timeline shows Woolwich history from its first settlement to the 21st century.

Timeline of Woolwich History

1639

Birth of William Phips, son of James and Mary, who was a shipbuilder, discoverer of sunken treasure, knighted by King James II of England, involved with war with French and Indians, Governor of Massachusetts.

1654

 

Nequasset sawmill was established by Major Clark and Captain Lake.

1675

 

Indian attack on Hammonds Fort at Days Ferry. Richard Hammond and son killed and wife and children were taken to Quebec as captives.

 

1689

 

Capture of Port Royal by William Phips. France returned territory east of the Kennebec to England.

Resettlement - Scottish/Irish - Town of Cork

1718

 

Brocas Stream lumber mill owned by John Brocas and Alexander Hamilton; later captured by Indians and taken to Quebec.

 

Thomas Paine operated first grist mill at Nequasset.

1740

John Carlton had a ferry across the Sasanoa River.

1741-1747 Seven blockhouses and garrison houses were built for defense against the Indians.

1754

House of Worship framed but not finished; second petition made and granted.

1758

Woolwich incorporated as twelfth township in Maine - 38 families.

Land survey of Nequasset Church acre - Jonas Jones surveyor.

1760

Town meetings started being held in Nequasset Church; continued until 1838.

1762

First schoolmistress hired to teach children in homes.

1765

 

William Chalmers fulling mill at Nequasset - he was granted water rights for 999 years.

1775

Nathaniel Day operated a ferry at present day Days Ferry.

1781

 

Pete Tallman built a road and bridge across the head of Tuessic Bay (his salt marsh) to shorten the road to Nequasset.

1790

Woolwich divided into five school districts - each had its own schoolhouse but there was one school master, Michael Ryan, with time allotted for each school.

1793

Map of Woolwich by David Gilmore - included roads.

1796

 

Tannery operated at Nequasset, owned by Samuel Trott.

1803

 

The ship "Europe" - 353 tons - was built at Thwings Point by Joseph Wood and Isaac Lilly.

1812

John Corliss owned and operated a pottery at Days Ferry.

Maine became the 23rd state; population of Woolwich was 1330.

1825

Days Ferry (West Woolwich) Congregational Church est.; William Leonard builder.

South Woolwich Methodist Church est.; site given by George Gilmore.

North Woolwich Methodist Episcopal church established

1836

 

Town House constructed; William Leonard builder; site of Town meetings from 1838-1952.

Sagadahoc - was the first of 4 steam ferries to carry passengers and vehicles from Sagadahoc Ferry to Bath. 1837-1927

1841

Phips Point-Westport bridge; in 1893 it was carried away by ice.

Woolwich-Arrowsic bridge built

1854

 

The ship "Charles Davenport" - 974 tons - built at Days Ferry by Albert and Gould Hathorne of Days Ferry.

1857

 

Civil War - 134 Woolwich Men served in the military; lasted until 1865.

1866

 

First railroad ferry across the Kennebec, "City of Rockland" was propelled by side paddle wheels; carried 2 passenger cars or 4 freight cars.

 

Woolwich Grange at Montsweag; in early years a Post Office and grocery store shared the first floor.

1887

 

Nequasset Pumping station built; provided water for Bath (still does - but also for some of Woolwich and some of Wiscasset)

1901

Rural Free Delivery (RFD) Charles Wright was the first mail carrier.

1917

 

Carlton Bridge replaced ferries ... "Million Dollar Bridge" named for Senator Frank Carlton; tolls were charged from 1927-1941.

1941

One room rural schools closed when the Woolwich Central School opened... 4 grades eventually increased to 9, and a gymnasium was built.

1981

Woolwich Historical Society acquired the Fullerton House for their 1910 Farmhouse Museum

2000

 

 

Deed to Nequasset territory conveyed to John Browne and Edward Bateman by Indian Chief Mowhotiwormet. The Browne family were Nequasset settlers for seven years.

James Phips established his plantation by the Sheepscot River and Hockomock Bay.

1651

Edward Bateman sold Nequasset area to James Cole who sold to Thomas Clark and Thomas Lake in 1658.

A settler acquired land from proprietors by building a house, owning oxen and tilling the acreage for five years.

Court of Merrymeeting - organization of laws by a committee of 15 pioneers of the territory to govern the settlers along the Kennebec.

 

 

1658

 

King Philip's War - homes and businesses were abandoned.

1676

 

Second Indian War - again, homes and businesses were abandoned.

1690

Maynes Ferry across Kennebec River.

1720

Ben Johnson created first division map of Woolwich - 66 lots

1741

Petition to Boston for separation from Georgetown to become independent township. The petition was refused because there was no resident minister and no house of worship.

 

Cadwalder Ford to receive 100 acres for construction of building.

1757

 

Preble massacre - last Indian foray - on land above junction of present Rts 127 & 128.

1759