by Bruce Lincoln
Scarborough and its marsh (3000 acres) has been an important part of the economy of Maine. The Sokokis Indians maintained a settlement on Winnocks Neck for many years before the visits of any white settlers. From the marshes they harvested shellfish, seals, fish and fowl which served as food, a medium of exchange, fertilizer for their crops, and material for their tools and weapons.
The first recorded visits by white men were in the 1620's when coastal fishermen in search of cod and haddock established trading posts with the Indians.
In 1636, a settlement was established at Blue Point, a farming area where its inhabitants cleared and planted many acres of vegetables and corn. Corn mills were built ant Black Point in 1663 and Dunstan in 1680. Salt hay was harvested as fodder for cattle and sheep, and the marshes were used as summer pasture. Shad, alewives, striped bass and smelt were found in the estuaries. Clams served not only as a source of food during this early period but were also sold to Newfoundland cod fishermen for bait. Fish weirs were constructed at the mouth of the Scarborough River for the harvest of mackerel and haddock.
The evergreen forests for which Black Point was named provided lumber to build ships as well as homes. Ship building became a major industry with ship yards located at Dunstan Landing. Tall pines were cut for masts and shipped to England, as were lumber and dried fish.
Land disputes stimulated Indian uprisings throughout the early history of Scarborough. So vicious was the fighting, the town was abandoned in 1690. The 1700's were days of resettlement, more Indian war and revolution. After the second settlement of the town in 1702, commercial hunters, trappers, and settlers continued their strife for territory. Beaver were abundant along the Nonesuch River and wolves, bear and fox brought bounty money; fur became an important trade item.
The early 1800's were days of the sportsmen; scoter, whistlers, old squaw, teal and black duck were plentiful. Accounts of one hunter finding ducks so closely flocked that with "the first shot he killed eighteen, at the second fourteen, at the third ten" are presented in Holland's Story of Prout's Neck.
Seals frequented the area and were caught by Indians and settlers alike. Their skins provided clothing and their blubber, oil for lamps.
Following the Revolutionary War, Scarborough prospered. Again industry was marsh oriented with clams and salt hay being of major importance. the railroad came to Scarborough in the late 1800's stimulating economic growth. In 1883, 14,000 bushels of clams were processed and shipped by Burnham and Morrill at Pine Point. Tide gates on the Dunstan River in 1872 provided useable land for salt hay and vegetable production. Smelts and eels were barreled and shipped to Boston markets. Prouts Neck and Pine Point became important summer colonies.
In short, the enterprises of yesterday have influenced the community as it exists today. The soft shell clam, lobster, green crab and sea worm are processed and sold locally. The shad no longer occurs, but striped bass provide a sport fishery at the mouth of the Scarborough River. Seals, Canadian Geese, Snow Geese and other wildlife species continue to frequent the tide lands and estuaries providing pleasure to natives and visitors alike.
Scarborough, with its vast grasslands, has developed into a desirable residential community in the Greater Portland area. Many residential developments have occurred in recent years. As a result, strict community zoning ordinances have been enacted and sewerage facilities are being expanded. Industry is being encouraged and summer recreation is a principal attraction of the area with major beach resorts in the town, as well as golf courses, motels and restaurants.
Scarborough Land Conservation Trust
P.O. Box 1237
Scarborough, Maine 04070
how to contact