1956 Map of Biddeford

About this map

Saco River serves as the primary artery separating the twin industrial hubs of Biddeford and Saco, shown here during a period of post-war coastal expansion. The map details a dense cultural landscape where long-standing institutions like St Francis College and Stella Maris Convent stand alongside the infrastructure of a growing community, including the Biddeford Airport and the Boston and Maine Railroad. Along the Atlantic coast, the shoreline is punctuated by maritime landmarks such as the Wood Island Lighthouse and Goat Island Lighthouse, which guarded the entrance to The Pool and Cape Porpoise Harbor. This 1950s survey captures the region just before the significant modern shift toward seasonal tourism, evidenced by the clustered settlements at Hills Beach and Goose Rocks Beach, while rural crossroads like Tattle Corner and Tea Kettle Corner maintain their traditional local identities.