Island Info

Long Island

Long Island, located 6 miles off the coast of Portland, is about 3 miles long and 1 mile wide. Long Island is host to a winter population of 200 which can swell to over 1000 in the summer months. Many residents, summer and winter, work in the lobster industry.

Like other Casco Bay islands, Long Island was originally inhabited by Native Americans until settlers arrived in the 1600's. Colonel Ezekiel Cushing purchased the island in 1732 and is credited with being the first westerner to settle and build a house on Long Island. He died in 1765 and willed the island to his nine surviving children. Soon after, other settlers arrived to make a livelihood out of farming, fishing, and catching lobsters.

During WWII, Long Island served as a fueling depot for the U.S. Navy. Supply stations and army buildings were constructed on the island to add to Casco Bay’s defense in the event of an attack. Many of these buildings still stand along the shore of the island.

In the early 1990’s, when the City of Portland reassessed all of its property and the tax rate tripled on Long Island, islanders decided that local control was the only way to preserve the year round community. On July 1, 1993 the Town of Long Island became the first new town in Maine since 1925. It is now a vibrant community where citizens take a strong and active role in improving the quality of life for all. Municipal services have improved, the school system is excellent, and taxes have gone down by 30%.

The island is home to a K-5 School with 13 students and 2 teachers, a brand new library and art gallery, a state of the art fire and rescue department that runs the town’s emergency rescue boat, an active recreation department, and a preschool. There is a post office, two stores, an inn that serves dinner, and a summer-only gift shop. Long Island is also home to the VFW Hall, managed by the IDEA group, and the Community Center, managed by the Recreation Department.

Long Island's quiet atmosphere is conducive to scenic walks along the shore and is best toured by bicycle (but bring your own as there are no bike rentals on the island). Long Island is most well known for its Sandy Beach where the sand "sings" beneath your feet as you walk.