Saco River: A Legacy of Industry, Recreation, and Natural Beauty
The Saco River, a prominent waterway in northeastern New Hampshire and southwestern Maine, boasts a rich history and ecological significance. From its headwaters in the White Mountains to its outlet in the Atlantic Ocean, the river has played a vital role in the development of surrounding communities and continues to be a popular destination for recreation.
Origins and Course
The Saco River originates at Saco Lake, a small body of water nestled in Crawford Notch within the White Mountains of New Hampshire. Runoff from Mount Washington, the highest peak in the northeastern United States, feeds into Saco Lake, marking the beginning of the river's 125-mile journey. The river flows mostly southeast, passing through towns such as Bartlett and Conway in New Hampshire.
Upon reaching Fryeburg, Maine, the Saco River splits into two distinct paths: the "Old Course" Saco River and the "Canal River." The Canal River, constructed in the 1800s to facilitate agricultural activities, is a 6-mile (10 km) channel, 15 miles (24 km) shorter than the original winding stream. Today, the Canal River is considered the main path of the Saco River, while the upstream end of the old course is largely silted over.
After traversing through forests and farmlands, the Saco River flows past six hydropower stations that harness its power to generate electricity. Entering York County, the river passes under Interstate 95 and flows between the cities of Saco and Biddeford, where Route 1 crosses over it on a bridge. Finally, the Saco River empties into Saco Bay in the Atlantic Ocean.
Historical Significance
The Saco River's history is deeply intertwined with the Wabanaki people, who have inhabited the land along its banks for approximately 13,000 years. They developed a complex understanding of the landscape, utilizing the river for various purposes. In the spring, they planted corn on the riverbanks; during the warmer months, they harvested fish; and in preparation for winter, they moved further upstream to hunt game.
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European explorers arrived in the early 17th century, welcomed by Wabanaki communities who surveyed Native villages. Over time, development surrounded the river, and with industrial expansion came immigration. The profitable trade of lumbering began with the construction of Saco's first sawmill in the mid-1650s. By the end of the 17th century, the river's waterpower aided in a thriving local lumber industry, with nearly 17 sawmills standing at Saco Falls by 1800.
Shipbuilders utilized the river's wide canals for construction and transport, while metal and ironworkers employed mechanical power to bring manufacturing advancement to Biddeford and Saco. In 1825, the country's largest cotton mill, Saco Manufacturing Company, was established, and Cutts Island (later known as Factory Island) became recognized for its longstanding textile manufacturing enterprise.
The Saco River also played a crucial role in transportation. Small boats and ferries crossed the river before the first bridge was built in 1758. In the early 1800s, dams and channels were constructed for ease of transportation, leading to the creation of the Canal River through Fryeburg. The historic Hemlock Bridge, built in Fryeburg over Saco's Old Course in 1857, remains standing today.
The river was once used to drive logs downstream toward the lumber yards in Biddeford and Saco. However, after many dangerous log jams during freezing temperatures, log drives were outlawed in 1967. In the 1870s, the opening of the Boston and Maine Railroad brought accessibility to seaside resorts along the southern coast.
Hydrology and Monitoring
Scientists monitor the water flow in the Saco River using stream gauges. One gauge is located in Conway, New Hampshire, where the river collects water from an area of 385 square miles (1,000 km2). Another gauge is situated in Cornish, Maine, where the river collects water from a much larger area of 1,293 square miles (3,350 km2). At the Conway gauge, the discharge averages 962 cubic feet per second (27.2 m3/s) and has ranged from a minimum of 40 cubic feet per second (1.1 m3/s) to a maximum of 47,200 cubic feet per second (1,340 m3/s).
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Recreational Activities
The Saco River is a popular destination for outdoor activities, particularly during the summer months. The river boasts many sandy beaches, especially when the water level is not too high, and camping is allowed on some of these beaches for free. However, it is crucial to be respectful of the land by cleaning up trash and following rules about campfires.
Canoeing and kayaking are favorite pastimes on the Saco River. One area, known as Walker's Rip, features small rapids that can be challenging for beginners but can be navigated successfully. The Saco River is also known for sport fishing.
Environmental Concerns
The Saco River has faced challenges related to misuse and pollution. Excessive trash left behind by visitors and disrespect towards landowners have led to restrictions and monitoring of some beaches. Efforts are underway to promote responsible recreation and protect the river's natural resources.
The Legend of Squandro's Curse
The Saco River is also associated with a local legend about a Native American curse. According to the New England Historical Society, the Sokokis people lived near the mouth of the Saco River. In 1631, English colonists began settling in the area, initially coexisting peacefully with the Sokokis under the leadership of a sachem named Squandro.
However, the peace was shattered in the summer of 1675 when three English sailors allegedly threw Squandro's infant son into the river to test the belief that Native American children were born knowing how to swim. While accounts vary, all versions of the story end with Squandro mourning his loss and issuing a curse, commanding the spirits of the river to take the lives of three non-Natives every year until the English settlers left the shores of the Saco River.
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For centuries, Mainers avoided the river unless three people had already drowned that year. However, in 1947, the Maine Sunday Telegram declared that the curse was broken, as no one had drowned in the Saco that year.
Modern Amenities
The Saco River provides gorgeous riverfront views, fun attractions in the water, and peaceful river sounds.
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