Cape Small facts for kids

Cape Small is a special piece of land that reaches out into the ocean along the coast of Maine, in the United States. It's like a natural point or "finger" of land extending into the eastern part of Casco Bay. This interesting cape is located in Sagadahoc County, not far from the town of Phippsburg. Many people agree that Cape Small was named after Francis Small, who was known for owning a huge amount of land in Maine's early history.

What is a Cape?

A cape is a piece of land that sticks out into a body of water, like an ocean, a lake, or a river. Think of it like a nose on a face, but for the land! Capes are often formed by natural processes like erosion from waves and wind over many, many years. They can be rocky or sandy, and they often have important lighthouses or serve as good spots for fishing and boating. Cape Small is a great example of this kind of landform.

Where is Cape Small Located?

Cape Small is found in the northeastern part of the United States, specifically in the state of Maine. Maine is famous for its beautiful, rugged coastline, full of islands, bays, and capes just like this one.

Casco Bay: A Special Waterway

Cape Small sits right on the edge of Casco Bay. A bay is a body of water that is partly enclosed by land, usually with a wide opening to the sea. Casco Bay is a large and important bay on the coast of Maine. It's home to many islands and is a popular place for:

• Boating
• Fishing
• Kayaking
• Exploring nature

The bay's waters are often calm because the surrounding land protects them from the open ocean's big waves.

Sagadahoc County and Phippsburg

Cape Small is part of Sagadahoc County, which is one of Maine's 16 counties. A county is a smaller area within a state, often used for local government and organization. Phippsburg is a town located within Sagadahoc County, and it's known for its scenic beauty and coastal charm. Being near Phippsburg means Cape Small is in an area rich with maritime history and natural beauty.

Who Was Francis Small?

The name "Cape Small" is believed to honor Francis Small. He was a very important person in the early days of Maine.

Maine's Largest Landowner

Francis Small lived a long time ago, and he became famous for owning more land than anyone else in Maine's history. Imagine having so much land that it stretched for miles and miles! This was a big deal in the 1600s, when European settlers were first arriving and claiming land in North America. Owning a lot of land meant you had power and influence in the community.

Why Name Places After People?

It's common for places like capes, towns, or even mountains to be named after important people. This is a way to remember them and their contributions. In Francis Small's case, naming Cape Small after him was a way to honor his significant role as a major landowner in the region's early development. It helps us remember the people who shaped the history of these places.