The Enterance of the Beautiful Casco Bay

Originally a part of Portland (named Falmouth at the time), the citizens of Cape Elizabeth petitioned for and obtained their own government in 1765, thus including all the area south of Portland Harbor and east of the Spurwink River. Commercial and industrial growth in the north end of the town, nearest the harbor (now South Portland), was in sharp contrast to the continuing rural character of the southern tip of the Cape.

In 1895, the two sections agreed to separate, and from that date forward, the southern end of the original town became the present town of Cape Elizabeth. Rimmed by craggy shores and sandy beaches, Cape Elizabeth marks the entrance to spectacular Casco Bay. Most of the town’s residential and commercial activity sits close to the bay’s edge. The size of the community is 9,337 acres, or 15 square miles. 2000 census figures put the town’s population at 9,068, with a population density of approximately 550 residents per square mile.

Cape Elizabeth has more parkland and permanently dedicated open space than any other community in Cumberland County. The Town contains Portland Head Light, the most photographed lighthouse in the world. Two Lights State Park with its extensive picnic areas and Crescent Beach State Park are both favorite destinations for area sun and surf worshippers.

The area school district is organized into three schools located on one campus: Pond Cove Elementary School (K-4); Middle School (5-8); and High School (9-12). With among the highest statewide test scores, it is no wonder their schools are so highly regarded. The majority of inhabitants now work in the Greater Portland area, and a few working farms still exist.