Cape Elizabeth is the gateway of Casco Bay. The 12 miles of shoreline are a combination of sandy beaches and the rocky coast that Maine is known for.The size of the community is approximately 15 square miles and the population is estimated to be just under 10,000.
Originally a part of Portland the citizens petitioned for and obtained their own government in 1765. Commercial and industrial growth in the north end of the town, nearest the harbor (now South Portland), was in sharp contrast to the continuing rural character of the southern tip of the Cape. In 1895, the two sections agreed to separate, and from that date forward the southern end of the original town became the present town of Cape Elizabeth.
The twentieth century history of the community has been one of gradual residential growth. The majority of
inhabitants now work in the Greater Portland area, and only very few of the working farms still exist.
Cape Elizabeth is the birthplace of legendary movie director John Ford, hometown of Joan Benoit Samuelson, the first winner of the Women's Olympic Marathon, and the inspiration for Edward Hopper's painting,"Lighthouse Hill", the country's most famous lighthouse painting.
AREA LINKS
The Portland Headlight- Located in Fort Williams Park, the world's most photographed lighthouse a museum and gift shop. The web site also offers a web cam, updated every ten minutes.
The Inn by the Sea - Located within Crescent Beach State Park, one of Maine's finest sand beaches, is the quintessential Maine hotel, the Inn by the Sea. The award winning architecture of the Inn is reminiscent of the Cottage Shingled design of the 1890s. Surrounded by lush green lawns and ever-blooming perennials, the main house offers 25 one bedroom suites and the adjacent cottages offer 18 two bedroom suites--each with full kitchen, living/dining areas and patio or porch overlooking the Atlantic Ocean.
Fort Williams Park - Fort Williams is one of Cape Elizabeth's most treasured sites. Home to the oldest lighthouse in Maine, Fort Williams has become a place of tourism and recreation welcoming nearly a million visitors a year.
The Beach to Beacon 10K Road Race- The 6.2-mile run, starting at Crescent Beach and ending at Portland Head Light, attracts over 5,000 runners, along with over 12,000 spectators, each year, making it the largest road race in the Pine Tree State. The race, which was first run in 1997, draws runners from all parts of the US and elite athletes from around the world.
Crescent Beach State Park - The park's signature feature and namesake is a mile-long, crescent-shaped beach ideal for strolling and sunbathing, where relatively warm waters and light surf make swimming and boating a pleasure. A few feet from the crowded summer sands are trails for walking and nature watching.
Two Lights State Park - Two Lights State Park is a popular point of destination for Maine residents and the many visitors who enjoy the state's legendary rocky coast. Opened in 1961, the park encompasses 41-acres of rocky headlands. Standing high above the rocky coast and rolling surf, visitors have sweeping views of Casco Bay and the open Atlantic.
