1898 Map of Gray

About this map

Jordan Bay Lake Sebago and the Sebago Lake Basin anchor the western edge of this topographic study, reflecting an era where water power and rail transit defined the Maine interior. The landscape is marked by the industrial footprints of Webbs Mills and Rattlesnake Mills, while the Grand Trunk Railroad and Maine Central R. R. carve distinct paths through the hills of New Gloucester and Falmouth. Local life centered around hubs like Gray, Sabbathday Lake, and Windham Center, connected by a network of brooks and ponds. The Presumpscot River is particularly notable for its sequence of cataracts including Steep Falls, Great Falls, and Dundee Falls, which provided the necessary drop for early manufacturing. From the elevations of Gloucester Hills to the marshes around Little Duck Pond, the geography reveals a transition from rugged upland farming to river-based industry.