 | Welcome to Topsham |  |
Topsham (see map at Sagadahoc County and Its Towns) is located on Merrymeeting Bay. The Town of Topsham first received its legal name in the year 1717 and was incorporated in 1764. It was named after Topsham, England, because many of its founders came from that country. The Pejepscot Company was formed in 1714, when eight men purchased Richard Wharton's vast estate (which right was based on an Indian deed, given to him by Worumbee and five other Sagamores, dated July 7, 1684)and 33 people took up lots between 1717 and 1722. Col. James Hunter, son of Adam Hunter, was the first white child born in Topsham (April 15, 1735). He helped build Fort Halifax in 1754, and served as an officer in the Revolutionary War. Prior to this (approximately 1669), Thomas Gyles settled at Pleasant Point; his brother, James Gyles, settled "Up Muddy River." Thomas and Samuel York had a deed from the Sagamore Indians, dated July 20, 1670, now known as "Topsham Foreside."
The first saw mill was erected on the Cathance River, in 1716. A few years later, other mills were built on the Androscoggin River, bringing much activity in manufacturing lumber between 1750 and 1770. The first post office was on Main Street, opposite the "Bank" building. The first known library, "The Social Library of Topsham," was founded in 1803. The Topsham Public Library opened its doors on February 7, 1931, on the first floor of the old Androscoggin Engine House on 38 Main Street. In 1941, Sarah Whitten donated her house to Topsham, it is located on Pleasant Street and known as "Whitten Memorial Library."
From Topsham to Brunswick, the only way to cross the Androscoggin River was by boat. In 1756 a toll bridge was constructed by the "Proprietors of the Androscoggin Bridge;" it was destroyed by fire in 1842. The Frank J. Woods bridge was named after a farmer, for suggesting the relocation of the bridge. On July 14, 1932, the old bridge was closed, demolished, and the new bridge opened to the public.
Topsham Town Hall
22 Elm St.
Topsham, ME 04086-1496
(207) 725-1719
Carol Edwards - Deputy Clerk
[email protected]
Hours: Please call when planning a trip
35 Republic Avenue
Topsham, ME 04086
(207) 725-1727
FAX (207) 725-1735
Hours: Monday thru Thursday 10 am to 8 pm; Saturdays 10 am to 5 pm
Topsham Weather
Sagadahoc Co, ME History and Genealogy Room at the Patten Free Library, Bath, ME
I'm looking for someone who is keenly interested in the history and genealogy of Topsham to assume responsibility of this Sagadahoc County, Maine GenWeb page. Previous knowledge and skill in building and maintaining web pages is not a requirement; however, a basic knowledge of HTML coding and uploading via FTP (or other software) to a server would be very helpful. Primarily, all it takes is a passion for the area of interest and genealogy in general to maintain the pages and extend a helping hand and direction to all those visitors seeking information. There is a friendly and helpful community of GenWeb hosts who are always willing to offer direction, advice, and assistance. Will you take on your ancestor's town and make it something more?
Please send me an e-mail at [email protected] if you would like more details on this opportunity. The US/Maine/Sagadahoc GenWeb projects have grown only because many individuals volunteer to do a little bit to contribute to the whole. We'd love to have you join us.
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 | This Sagadahoc County Website was designed, created, and is maintained by Arlene L. Brown Ackermann. Any comments or suggestions are welcomed and encouraged. |
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