Long Island:
Photo courtesy of apertureisworthathousandwords'
The town of Long Island is located in Casco Bay, Maine. It is approximately 45
minute ride on the ferry from Portland. The island is 1.4 sq miles. As of the
census of 2000, there were 202 people, 93 households, and 61 families residing
in the town. In the summer the population can swell to 700.
Long Island, like other Casco Bay islands, was originally inhabited in the warm months by
Native Americans until settlers first arrived in the 1600’s. Col. Ezekiel Cushing
purchased the island in 1732 and is credited with being the first westerner to
settle and build a house on Long Island. He died in 1765, and willed the island
to his nine surviving children. Soon after, other settlers arrived to make a
livelihood out of farming, fishing, and catching lobsters.
During WWII, supply stations and army buildings were constructed on the island
to add to Casco Bay’s defenses in the event of an Axis powers attack.
After the war, tourism became the most popular industry, and several small
stores, a fire station, and a K-5 school (1953) were built. In the summer,
several hundreds or even thousands of tourists travel from places such as
Massachusetts and New York to vacation in their summer cottages.
The island is served by Casco Bay Lines
ferry service and is home to its own elementary school, and
library.
Events:
Somthing you want listed? e-mail it to: admin@cascobayrentals.com
Transportation:
Casco Bay Lines provides passenger service to the island. phone:(207) 774-7871. There are all so several water taxi's that provide service to the island. While on the Island the best transportation is walking, or a bicycle.Services:
- Store
- Restaurants
- Inn