Maine History & Genealogy

Maine, the northeasternmost of the United States, is bounded on the north by Canada (Quebec and New Brunswick); on the east by New Brunswick and the Atlantic Ocean; on the south by the Atlantic Ocean; and on the west by New Hampshire. It lies between about 43º 4′ and 47º 28′ north latitude, and between 66º 57′ and 71º 7′ west longitude. The state measures about 320 miles from north to south and about 210 miles from east to west. It contains approximately 35,385 square miles, or 22,646,400 acres.

Maine, originally part of Massachusetts until achieving statehood in 1820 under the Missouri Compromise, was first settled by Europeans in the early 1600s, including the short-lived Popham Colony in 1607 and later permanent settlements in places like Kittery (incorporated 1647, York County). The region was historically inhabited by the Wabanaki Confederacy, including the Penobscot, Passamaquoddy, Maliseet, and Mi’kmaq tribes. Genealogical records in Maine often trace back to Massachusetts sources before 1820, with town vital records beginning in the 1600s in southern areas. After statehood, counties were established or reorganized, with records such as deeds, probates, and court documents held at the county level—early counties include York (1652), Cumberland (1760), and Lincoln (1760). The state is characterized by a rugged coastline, the Kennebec and Penobscot Rivers, and inland forests and lakes, all influencing settlement and economic development. Researchers should note that many town records were lost to fire or neglect, making church and land records crucial alternatives for genealogical work.

This state project is part of the much larger American History & Genealogy Project or better known by the abbreviation of AHGP. It has been in existence online since 2000 and over the years has been spread out across the web. These pages are an attempt to consolidate it under one website of the larger project.

Maine County Projects

• Knox County
• Piscataquis County
• Androscoggin County
• Aroostook County
• Cumberland County

Maine History

• Biography of Colonel Alexander Rigby
  In 1643 Rigby acquired the long-dormant Plough Patent, giving him a proprietary claim to the “Province of Lygonia” in Maine, broadly between Cape Porpoise and the Kennebec. He used the patent to set up a separate government centered on Casco Bay, appointing George Cleeve as his deputy and pressing Lygonia’s authority through commissions, courts, and land administration in competition with Ferdinando Gorges’s Province of Maine. Rigby’s ownership and sponsorship kept the Lygonia claim alive until his death in 1650.
  • The Plough Patent
    The Plough Patent, granted to the “Company of Husbandmen” in 1630, aimed to establish a colony in Sagadahoc, Maine, led by religious emigrants seeking refuge. Despite an initial shipment of ten colonists aboard the ship Plough, the venture faced numerous challenges, including controversial land boundaries and financial struggles. The colonists quickly dispersed to other settlements, leading to the eventual failure of the plantation. Richard Dummer, an important figure in the colony, later faced issues regarding his stewardship. Ultimately, the Company’s efforts disbanded, and the Plough Patent fell into obscurity, recognized as a “broken title.
  • The Province of Lygonia
    George Cleeve played a pivotal role in the political history of Maine, especially in reviving the Plough Patent and establishing the Province of Lygonia in the 1640s. After the New England council surrendered their charter in 1635, Sir Ferdinando Gorges held significant land, appointing his nephew as deputy governor. Cleeve’s intrigue led to Gorges recalling the young governor, replacing him with Richard Vines. Seeking personal power, Cleeve ultimately revived the Plough Patent with Colonel Rigby’s backing, creating conflict with Gorges’ supporters. Despite initial successes, Cleeve’s regime culminated in a brief existence for Lygonia, which submitted to Massachusetts authority in 1658.
• Birthplace of the State of Maine
  Colonial Period, Revolutionary Period, Civil War
• Indian Soldiers of the American Revolution
• Indian Pay Roll List
• Maine Military Forts
• Maine ~ My State
  Biographies, Early Settlers, Land titles, Other Islands
• Pharmacy of the Red Man
• Aroostook War Volunteers (9 Companies)

Local History

• History of Swan’s Island Maine ~ Hancock County
• Kennebec Historical Items

Maine Genealogy

• Members of First Congregational Church ~ Bangor (800 Names)
• 1903 Register of Appleton Maine

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