Maine Memory Network

Contributed by Maine Historical Society

Description

This map is an early detail of Royalsborough, Maine. Although now known as Durham, the town – as well as the towns of Brunswick, Harpswell, Auburn, Lewiston, Minot, Poland, and Mechanic Falls – was part of a large land claim by the Pejepscot Purchase Company called Baskerstown. 

Following the encouragement by the Massachusetts General Court in 1714 to settle more remote parts of Maine, The Pejepscot Purchase Company was formed by a group known as the Pejepscot Proprietors, who acquired the land of the towns mentioned previously. The company was active until 1814. 

This map, most likely created in 1766, was drawn on vellum. It depicts the region of Durham, which was incorporated in 1789 and divided into land lots with landowners' names. Some of the more prominent names on the map are Belcher Noyes, Joseph Wadsworth, and Col. Royal, whom Royalsborough is named after. Today, the road that lines the Androscoggin River in Durham is called "Royalsborough Road."

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About This Item

• Title: Plan of Royalsborough, ca. 1766
• Creation Date: circa 1766
• Subject Date: circa 1766
• Location: Royalsborough, Durham, Androscoggin County, ME
• Media: Ink on vellum
• Dimensions: 75 cm x 41 cm
• Local Code: Map F 1275
• Object Type: Text and Image

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Cross Reference Searches

Standardized Subject Headings

• Androscoggin River (N.H. and Me.)
• Durham (Me.)
• Manuscript maps--Early works to 1800.
• Real property surveys
• Surveys--Maine--Durham

Other Keywords

• Bakerstown
• Colonial Map
• Eastern Country
• Land division
• Proprietors of the Township of Brunswick
• Survey

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For more information about this item, contact:

Maine Historical Society
485 Congress Street, Portland, ME 04101
(207) 774-1822 x230
Website

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