The History of Belfast, Maine

In the spring of 1770 Belfast was settled by Scots–Irish families from Londonderry, New Hampshire. Legend has it that the name Belfast, after the Northern Ireland city, was chosen by a coin-toss. Fear of British attack led these original proprietors to abandon the settlement during the American Revolution, but they returned in the 1780s to build a vibrant, prosperous outpost that would become the market center for the outlying area.

The First Plan of Belfast

Drawn up in 1768 by Joseph Chadwick, the settlers paid about twenty cents per acre. The land, part of the original Waldo Patent held by Brigadier General Samuel Waldo, was sold by his heirs. The property included the entire area from Half Way Creek, known today as Mill Stream in Downtown Searsport, to Little River, south of Belfast.

The first settlers arrived in the spring of 1770, more followed in the ensuing years. The first deaths occurred in December 1770, John Morrison and Thomas Steele were drowned in the bay. The first white child born was Ann Patterson, born on May 9, 1772. Belfast was incorporated as a town in 1773.

The History of Belfast, Maine

In the spring of 1770 Belfast was settled by Scots–Irish families from Londonderry, New Hampshire. Legend has it that the name Belfast, after the Northern Ireland city, was chosen by a coin-toss. Fear of British attack led these original proprietors to abandon the settlement during the American Revolution, but they returned in the 1780s to build a vibrant, prosperous outpost that would become the market center for the outlying area.

Early History

The first settlers, about thirty people including children, arrived in the spring of 1770, taking possession of their lands on both sides of the harbor. It is recorded that James Miller and family were among the first to settle on the west side, building a log cabin at what is now near the intersection of Union and Commercial streets.

On the east side, John Davidson, John Steele, William McLaughlin, and John Morrison were among the first to arrive. More joined them the following year and by June 1773, a petition to incorporate as a town was drawn up and presented at a session of the General Court in Boston. The request was granted on June 21, 1773.

According to Joseph Williamson’s History of Belfast, the name of the town was left blank.  James Miller suggested the name as Belfast. Other settlers preferred Londonderry and tradition tells us the dispute was settled by tossing a penny. The first town meeting was held on November 11, 1773.

In 1775, the first taxes were raised, thirty pounds in cash for highways and fifteen pounds for preaching. The first ship, the “Jenny Miller” was launched in 1793.

During the Revolution the 100 or so inhabitants suffered greatly from lack of provisions and constant menacing by British warships. After the capture of Castine by the British in August 1779, the town was abandoned for five years. Some did not return to their homesteads, others returned to find their modest properties destroyed or stolen.

With peace restored, Belfast inhabitants resumed the hard work of building their town. They were well-established as both a maritime and market town when the break from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts occurred in 1820.

A Safe Harbor

Abundant timber, a gently sloping waterfront and proximity to varied agriculture gave rise to shipbuilding and maritime commerce, with fortunes made in both. Hundreds of wooden sailing ships were built by local shipyards and, during the 19th century, as much as 30% of the male population was employed in the maritime trades.

5 Mast Ship Jenny F Kreger

Belfast & Moosehead Lake Railroad

The Belfast & Moosehead Lake Railroad. It was chartered in 1867 and completed in 1870, 33 miles of railroad track connecting Belfast and six other towns in Waldo County.

For decades the railroad carried local agricultural products, canned sardines, shoes, fertilizer, and other locally processed or manufactured products bound for markets beyond Waldo County.
The railroad is operated by the Brooks Preservation Society, a non-profit organization dedicated to preserving Waldo County's railroad heritage. Seasonal excursion trains still run from City Point.

Visit: Belfast & Moosehead Lake Railroad

Prosperity & Hardship

Prosperous shipbuilders and merchants constructed the architecturally significant houses that dominate our residential neighborhoods today. Two disastrous fires consumed much of the downtown area in 1865 and 1873, but merchants rebuilt with brick, creating a pleasing and long–lasting commercial distric.

The Belfast Historic Districts, residential and commercial, are included on the National Register of Historic Places.

JP White House Belfast Maine
Belfast Bank Oopera House postcard

Belfast Architecture

Belfast is considered to be the best extant brick commercial district in Maine, meaning- the buildings haven’t changed much and most are still here! Learn more by following a self-guided tour

Harvey Stinson parade marshall Civil War Veteran

The Civil War Years

Belfastians where actively involved during this bloody period in our nation's history. Letters sent from soldiers to family back home were often shared. Read more

Perry's Nut House Elephant Belfast

Perry's Nuthouse

Since 1926, Perry’s Nut House has been one of the most popular tourist destinations on Route One. Over the years, in addition to selling nuts, the store has sold Indian made products, fudge, and jams and jellies.

 

Belfast blizzard 1952

Legendary Winters

Yes, winters in Maine can be snowy and long. The huge blizzard of late February, 1952 (pictured here) caused 6-8’ drifts which had to be tunneled through to reach stores.

Mid 20th Century

The city’s prosperity, built on shipbuilding and commerce in such unglamorous cargoes as hay, ice, apples and fertilizer, began to fade as the 20th century unfolded. A four–story shoe factory dominated the industrial area, and Belfast became a blue–collar town.

By the 1950s poultry, sardine and potato companies had set up processing plants along the waterfront. Belfast called itself the “Broiler Capital of the World” and each July thousands came to eat barbecued chicken on Broiler Day.

A Midcoast Town Preserved

In 1962 Route 1, which had come straight through downtown via High Street, was rerouted around the city and across a new bridge. The rerouting was seen by some as the death knell for a once–vibrant shire town, but in hindsight the bypass preserved the city’s heart and soul and in the 1980s a rebirth began. Public and private investment restored some of the past luster. The arts flourished, the railroad was revived for tourist excursions, and the stately houses and commercial buildings were restored.

Today, Belfast is that rare combination of quiet small town with an active social and cultural life that is attractive to residents and visitors alike.

Smith and Whittier Block 1823 64 Main St Belfast Maine

Share Your Belast History

Do you have history about Belfast Maine that you would like to share? We're always looking for interesting stories and artifacts.