kids encyclopedia robot

Cape Neddick, Maine facts for kids

Kids Encyclopedia Facts

Cape Neddick is a lovely spot located in the town of York, in York County, Maine, United States. It's known as a "census-designated place" (CDP), which is a special area defined by the government for counting people. In 2020, about 3,037 people lived here. Cape Neddick is also part of a larger area that includes the cities of Portland, South Portland, and Biddeford.

Quick facts for kids
Cape Neddick, Maine
Cape Neddick Light c. 1920
Cape Neddick, Maine is located in Maine
Cape Neddick, Maine
Cape Neddick, Maine
Location in Maine
Country United States
State Maine
County York
Area
 • Total 3.96 sq mi (10.27 km2)
 • Land 3.73 sq mi (9.66 km2)
 • Water 0.23 sq mi (0.61 km2)
Elevation
39 ft (12 m)
Population
 (2020)
 • Total 3,037
 • Density 813.99/sq mi (314.28/km2)
Time zone UTC-5 (Eastern (EST))
 • Summer (DST) UTC-4 (EDT)
ZIP code
03902
Area code(s) 207
FIPS code 23-10320
GNIS feature ID 0563478

Exploring Cape Neddick's Location

Cape Neddick is located at about 43 degrees North and 70 degrees West. This area includes the Cape Neddick peninsula itself. It also covers the community of York Beach, which has two beaches. One beach is on each side of the Cape Neddick peninsula.

Borders of Cape Neddick

To the north, Cape Neddick borders the town of Ogunquit. The western border is a bit unclear, but it generally includes Firetown and Old Post Road. To the south, it touches the northern part of the York Harbor area. The eastern side of Cape Neddick is the beautiful shoreline of the Atlantic Ocean. The total area of Cape Neddick is about 4 square miles (10.27 square kilometers). Most of this is land, with a small part being water.

The Famous Nubble Lighthouse

The most famous landmark in Cape Neddick is the Cape Neddick Light, often called the Nubble Lighthouse. It's a very distinctive feature of the community.

Building the Lighthouse

Work on the lighthouse started in 1876 and cost $15,000. That was a lot of money back then! The light first shone on July 1, 1879.

Lighthouse Changes Over Time

The lighthouse was originally red. However, it was painted white in 1902. The unique red house next to it was also built in 1902. The tower itself stands 41 feet (12 meters) tall. In 1987, the lighthouse became automated. This means it no longer needed a person to operate it all the time.

People of Cape Neddick

As of the 2020 census, there were 3,037 people living in Cape Neddick.

Places to Visit and Things to Do

Cape Neddick has some interesting places to explore.

Historic Sites

Two places in Cape Neddick are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. These are important places recognized for their history.

  • St. Peter's By-The-Sea Protestant Episcopal Church
  • Cape Neddick Light (Nubble Lighthouse), which is just off the coast.

Fun Activities

If you enjoy golf, the Cape Neddick Country Club has an 18-hole golf course. It was designed by a famous golf course designer named Donald Ross.

A Look Back at History

Before 1655, some families lived in Cape Neddick. These included the families of John Gooch, Peter Weare, Edward Wanton, Sylvester Stover, and Thomas Wheelwright.

Well-Known People from Cape Neddick

Some notable people have lived in Cape Neddick:

  • Phyllis Brooks, an actress
  • Peter Clines, a writer
  • Dawn Hill, a state legislator (someone who helps make laws for the state)
  • Paul D. McGowan, also a state legislator
kids search engine
Cape Neddick, Maine Facts for Kids. Kiddle Encyclopedia.