Portland Press Herald Glass Negative Collection

The complex geographic features of Merrymeeting Bay lend to the beauty of this aerial photograph. Not technically a bay by definition (more like an inland delta or estuary), the origin of the name Merrymeeting is also quite complicated. During the 18th Century, a series of names for the bay appear in English records, including Nassouac and Chisapek. The more prevalent Wabanaki name for the body of water appeared in Perepole’s 1793 deposition, where he referred to the bay as Quabacook.
The English name Merrymeeting, is said to reference the convergence of five rivers which create this unique landscape in the heart of Sagadahoc County. Other theories include references to colonial meeting places, joyous parties, or rendezvous points for surveying teams.