Bailey Island guide

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Bailey Island was first populated in the 1600s by European settlers. The island was then known as Newaggin, a name which was given it by the local Abenaki Native Americans.

The first settler of the island, William Black, aka Black Will, a freed slave from Kittery, Maine, took possession of the island in 1727 after spending many years of his life there. Because of this, the island became known as Will's Island.

In 1742, Reverend Timothy Bailey may have bought Will's Island for one pound of tobacco and a gallon of rum from William Black. Another variation of this history is that the minister's wife liked the island and the Bailey's bribed municipal officials to find some flaw in Will's title and award the island to them. In any event, after Timothy Bailey and his wife took possession of the island, William Black left to live on Orr's Island. From then on, the island was known as Bailey Island.

The Bailey Island Bridge, which spans Will's Gut and connects Bailey Island to Orr's Island, was completed in 1928. Will's Gut is the only geographical feature that still bears the name of the original non-native inhabitant of Bailey Island.

One popular rumor that has persisted for at least the last half century is that the bridge from Orr's Island to Bailey Island was one of two granite cribstone bridges, ever built in the world, and that the other one in Scotland, collapsed shortly after construction. In fact, it appears to be the only such bridge ever constructed. The unique construction of the bridge permits the substantial tides of that area to flow freely through it, greatly reducing the effect that flow would otherwise have on boats transiting its narrow channel opening.

 


Latest Tweets featuring Bailey Island

  • mohaxelowo

    bailey island, me is cool and indifferent!!!

    Today, 22:34

  • 2CuteJP

    I had 2 from Bailey's last night they were awesome!! RT @ExtraorDloyalty: Had a long island at tgi and I can say I'm feeling great

    Today, 21:11

  • xytuvod

    Two Centuries Of History On Long Beach Island: The third in John Bailey Lloyd's Long Beach Island pictorial book... http://t.co/K2Ra4I0T

    Today, 16:59

  • MaineTrvlMaven

    Deal alert: 2 for $22 menu tonight at Cook's Lobster House, Bailey Island, Maine. http://t.co/mgCNL3l6

    Today, 16:33

  • zalasoh

    Two weeks ago me and charolette visit bailey island, me. It was force and effectiveness...

    Today, 16:14

  • msdnice08

    RT @TheRock via Lee Bailey @eurweb Close EURweb | EUR Film Review: 'Journey 2: The Mysterious Island' http://t.co/XW4Aww3I

    Today, 15:41

  • rytexarowat

    Couple month ago me and lela lucich visit bailey island, me. It was civilized and cultured...

    Today, 14:54

  • jpmorey03

    just hme ad a gr8t nyt , d bailey, long island a bit drunk oh i was n wer surfers was b4 lol busy day 2mrw

    Today, 03:42

  • willowwing

    @be_ddelusionall If Bailey and I come to LA are you coming to see FT Island with us?

    Today, 00:36

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    Today, 00:23

  • circusnews

    Ringling Bros Barnum & Bailey Circus Clowns to Perform at Staten Island Children's Museum, 2/17 http://t.co/Ya4pZVFJ

    Today, 00:07

  • CARNIVALTWEETS

    Ringling Bros Barnum & Bailey Circus Clowns to Perform at Staten Island Children's Museum, 2/17: http://t.co/guMgQKwc via @AddThis

    Today, 00:03

  • Circusworldca

    Circus World News... Ringling Bros Barnum & Bailey Circus Clowns to Perform at Staten Island ... http://t.co/rhIRqRDZ ....Join the Forum

    Yesterday, 22:53

  • Bigtopjobs

    Bigtop Jobs... Ringling Bros Barnum & Bailey Circus Clowns to Perform at Staten Island ...: Ri... http://t.co/1YXsNLmb ......Big Topjobs

    Yesterday, 22:51

  • morganballiet

    RT @Jelly_tastic: I wonder what blood tastes like..Should I ask Joe Bailey..? Welcome to James Island, bitch..

    Yesterday, 22:42

Featured Businesses and Services in Bailey Island

  • Sea Escape Cottages & Charters

    Located in Bailey Island, Cumberland County, Maine, United States

    Sea Escape Cottages & Charters

    Sea Escape Cottages & Charters of Bailey Island, Maine offers you the ultimate yet accessible view of Casco Bay and its activities: lobstering, touring ferries, sailing ships, and a wide range of marine life. We are proud of our cottages and welcome you ...

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  • The Bailey Island Motel

    Located in Bailey Island, Cumberland County, Maine, United States

    The Bailey Island Motel

    The Bailey Island Motel is ideally situated to make the most of your Maine vacation. Whether you're looking for solitude, great restaurants or to explore the many area attractions, the Bailey Island Motel is unique. We take great pride in our clean, com...

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Other Businesses and Services in Bailey Island

  • Cook's Lobster House

    Located in Bailey Island, Cumberland County, Maine, United States

    We'll ship lobster next day, or you can visit our restaurant on Bailey Island, Maine where every seat has an ocean view! For old fashioned fun, book a lobster bake on Cook's Point for your next function. Don't forget to view our menu.. We welcome ...

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  • H2Outfitters

    Located in Bailey Island, Cumberland County, Maine, United States

    H2Outfitters

    At H20utfitters, we firmly believe that skills development is trhe best insurance for all kayaking activities. It provides a foundation on which to build a secure paddling future for a relatively small investment. Your ability to paddle, and paddle well, ...

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  • Maine Maritime Museum

    Located in Bailey Island, Cumberland County, Maine, United States

    Maine Maritime Museum

    Founded in 1962, Maine Maritime Museum collects, preserves and interprets materials relating to the maritime history of Maine. Maine's maritime history is told here daily through gallery exhibits, an historic shipyard, educational programs and narrated b...

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  • Captain York House

    Located in Bailey Island, Cumberland County, Maine, United States

    Captain York House

    The Captain York House is a turn of the century restored home of Captain Charles York, a noted fisherman from Bailey Island. The house is situated on a hill overlooking Harpswell Sound and Peninsula. Bailey Island is the last of a series of three islands...

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