Acton Maine

Acton, Maine, incorporated in 1830, is located in York County, and its history is emblematic of New England’s development, from Native American land through European settlement and agricultural expansion. The town’s establishment came in the wake of early European settlers in the 18th century, attracted by the area’s fertile land and access to waterways, including the Salmon Falls River, which played a crucial role in the town’s early industrial and agricultural economy. Acton’s genealogical records begin with these early settlers and are maintained in various forms including census records, land deeds, and vital records (birth, marriage, death) at the town hall, as well as at the York County Courthouse. The area was initially part of the larger Shapleigh township (known as Shapleigh’s Grant), with Acton separating and incorporating as its own entity to meet the administrative needs of its growing population. Genealogists researching Acton ancestors will find a rich history influenced by the town’s agricultural roots, its participation in regional conflicts, and its evolution into a modern community, while still retaining its historical charm and significance within the broader narrative of Maine and New England.