York County, Maine
Alfred is the county town. This county is bounded N. by Oxford county, N.E. by the county of Cumberland, E. by the ocean, S. by Portsmouth harbor, and W. by Strafford county, N.H. It comprises an area of about 818 square miles. Its population in 1810, was 41,877; 1820, 46,283; 1830, 51,722; and in 1837, 53,781. Population to a square mile, 66. The surface of the county is rough and uneven, but not mountainous; its highest elevation is Mount Agamenticus. Its soil is hard and rocky, particularly on the sea coast, which extends about 35 miles. There is, however, much good land within the limits of York county: it produces large quantities of English and salt hay, potatoes and other vegetables, corn, and some wheat; but the latter grain is not so abundant in this as in the more eastern counties. The quantity of wheat grown in this county in 1837, was but 17,795 bushels. There is much good grazing land in this county, and in 1837 there were 60,392 sheep within its limits.
The sea coast is lined with fine harbors for the fishery, and many vessels are built of native timber. The county contains many capes, points and necks of land, on which are well conducted light houses. The tonnage of the three districts within the county, Saco, Kennebunk and York, in 1837, was 11,505 tons. York county contains many excellent mill streams; and the value of its hydraulic power is beginning to be seen and felt.
This ancient county was the lodgement of some of the first settlers of New England. See Saco.
