Cumberland and Oxford Canal

The Cumberland and Oxford Canal was opened in 1832 to connect the largest lakes of southern Maine with the seaport of Portland, Maine. The canal followed the Presumpscot River from Sebago Lake through the towns of Standish, Windham, Gorham, and Westbrook. The Canal diverged from the river at Westbrook to reach the navigable Fore River estuary and Portland Harbor. The canal required 27 locks to reach Sebago Lake at an elevation of 267 feet above sea level. One additional lock was constructed in the the Songo River to provide 5 feet of additional elevation to reach Long Lake from Sebago Lake. Total navigable distance was approximately 45 miles from Portland to Harrison at the north end of Long Lake.

The 18-mile long Presumpscot River portion of the canal fell into disuse when the Portland and Ogdensburg Railroad (later Maine Central Railroad) reached Sebago Lake Station in 1870. Some of the Presumpscot River lock facilities were converted to hydroelectric dams. Steamboats continued to use Songo Lock to provide transportation from Sebago Lake Station to the lakeside communities of Bridgton, Harrison, Naples, Sebago, Casco, Raymond and North Windham. The Bridgton and Saco River Railroad reached Bridgton in 1883 and Harrison in 1898. The Sebago Lake, Songo River, and Bay of Naples Steamboat Company continued to offer summer passenger service to tourists until the last steamboat Goodrich burned at its Naples dock in 1932. Songo Lock remains in service for pleasure boats.

References

External Link

• Cumberland & Oxford Canal