Bath, Maine (Hayward)

Bath, Me., city, Lincoln co., lies on the W. bank of the Kennebec River, 12 miles from the sea, 31 miles S. from Augusta, and 32 N. E. from Portland. The population in 1830, was 3773; in 1840, 5141; in 1850, 3020. —An attempt was made by a missionary to settle this place, and preach to the fishermen as early as 1670. But the Indians would not permit it.  The first permanent settlement was made in 1756. The town is built on a gentle declivity, and extends from a mile and a half to two miles along the river, and nearly a mile back. It is handsomely laid out, and contains several elegant church edifices, and other buildings, public and private, which are an ornament to the place. — The principal business of Bath is commerce, trade, and ship building, particularly the latter, for which it is admirably well located. This place ranks as the third in the United States in respect to this important interest. The tonnage of the district of Bath including the waters of the Kennebec River, in 1850 was 103,795. This place is noted for its accomplished shipmasters and fine sailors. — The harbor of Bath is seldom obstructed by ice. Regular lines of steamboats ply between this place and Portland and Boston, about three fourths of the year. A branch railroad connects it with the Portland and Augusta Railroad at Brunswick, about 8 miles distant.