Turbulent beginnings
The first people to live in the area were members of the Abenaki tribe. In 1607, warriors led by Grand Chief Henri Membertou raided Saco—then called Chouacoet—in retaliation for similar raids against them.
In 1630, the Plymouth Company granted an eight-by-four mile stretch of land on the seashore to Richard Bonython and Thomas Lewis. Settlement began in 1631, and commissioners from the Massachusetts General Assembly, at the time the governing body of New England, declared the community to be a township in 1653. In 1718, the land west of the Saco River was established as a separate community known as Biddleford, while the less-populated east side was incorporated in 1762 as Pepperrellborough. The somewhat clumsy name only lasted until 1805, when the name Saco was reintroduced permanently. Saco was finally incorporated in 1867.
The colorful history of cities like Saco is maintained by groups such as historical societies, museums, and libraries. The Saco Museum and Dyer Library preserve local history, and can use postcard printing to create colorful Postcards that make great souvenirs.
Growth and development
Saco's location on the Saco River gave it a reliable power source, and like many New England communities, it developed a number of mills. Saco became a shipbuilding center, with 17 sawmills cutting millions of feet of timber to be used in the ships.
The Saco Iron Works went into operation on Factory Island in 1811, and in 1826, the Saco Manufacturing Company set up a cotton mill, which necessitated digging a canal to reach the water to provide power. In 1842, the Portland, Saco and Portsmouth Railroad arrived, and, as often happened, development followed the tracks. In Saco's case, the ease of transport led to the city's growth as a center for the manufacture of textiles. Other businesses included brick manufacturing, foundries, and harness making.
Although the era of the mill town ended early in the 1900s, many of the beautiful buildings were left behind as perfect examples of Victorian, Greek Revival, Federal, and Georgian architecture. Today, some of the mills are being redeveloped as multi-use projects. Developers can work with brochure printers to create attractive rental and leasing documents.
The great outdoors
Although Saco has a strong economic base, people also need to get outdoors to relax and have fun, and the city offers a number of attractions that bring people from throughout the area. The Ferry Beach State Park covers 117 acres north of the Saco River's mouth, on Saco Bay. The park has a nature center, hiking trails, and a beach on the Atlantic.
Saco is also home to Funtown Splashtown USA, a traditional amusement park with rides such as the Excalibur roller coaster, the only wooden roller coaster in New England.
Parks like these are great places to hold events such as family picnics, company outings, even weddings. Event planners will find Print companies are of great help, since a banner printing company can create decorations to match the theme of the event, while a poster printing shop can turn out Signs to help people find the venue.
Saco calls itself “Friendly by nature,” and has a warm welcome for everyone.Get a Free Quote for Signs Get a Free Quote for Postcards Get a Free Quote for Print