Royal River facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Royal River |
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The Sparhawk Mill on the Royal River in Yarmouth, Maine, a few hundred yards northwest of its mouth at Casco Bay
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| Other name(s) | Westcustogo River (former) Pumgustuck River (former) Yarmouth River (former) |
| Country | United States |
| Physical characteristics | |
| Main source | Sabbathday Lake New Gloucester, Maine 43°59′18″N 70°20′58″W / 43.98833°N 70.34944°W |
| River mouth | Casco Bay Yarmouth, Maine 43°47′51.4″N 70°10′37.9″W / 43.797611°N 70.177194°W |
The Royal River is a beautiful, small river in southern Maine, United States. It flows for about 39 miles (63 km) (63 kilometers). This river begins in Sabbathday Lake in New Gloucester, Maine. From there, it travels through several towns. Finally, it empties into Casco Bay near Yarmouth, Maine. The Royal River has a rich history and is important to the local environment.
Contents
The Royal River: A Journey Through Maine
The River's Ancient Names
Long ago, the Native American people had their own names for this river. They called it the Westcustogo River, which meant muddy. Another name was Pumgustuck River, meaning falls at the mouth of the river. These names help us understand how the river appeared to them.
A River of Mills and Progress
During the 1700s and 1800s, the Royal River was known as the Yarmouth River. It was very important for the local economy. The river's strong flow provided power for many mills. These mills helped the town of Yarmouth grow and thrive. For example, the Forest Paper Company built a large mill in 1872. Today, this site is part of the beautiful Royal River Park.
The Royal River in Stories
Did you know the Royal River appears in books? Famous Maine author Stephen King mentions the river in some of his novels. For instance, in The Body, characters cross the Royal River. It also appears in 'Salem's Lot and Rita Hayworth and Shawshank Redemption. This shows how the river is a part of local culture and imagination.
Working to Keep the River Healthy
People are working hard to protect and improve the Royal River. In 2005, the Gulf of Maine Council recognized the Royal River as a priority for restoration. This meant they wanted to help bring it back to its best health. In 2009, the town of Yarmouth hired experts. They looked for ways to help fish move more easily along the river. They also wanted to bring back native fish species. These experts suggested removing some dams. In 2025, the Yarmouth town council agreed to remove the dams at the Second and Fourth Falls. This decision helps the river flow more naturally and supports its wildlife.
Who Was William Royall?
The Royal River is named after William Royall. He was one of the first European settlers in this area. He lived here around the 1600s. Even though his last name had two "L"s, the river's official name uses only one.
Crossing the Royal River
Many bridges cross the Royal River along its path. These bridges are important for travel and connect different communities. Major roads like Interstate 95 and U.S. Route 1 cross the river. Several railway lines also have bridges over the Royal River. This shows how vital the river is for transportation and daily life.
Gallery
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The source of the Royal River at Sabbathday Lake in New Gloucester, Maine, looking south towards the lake
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The river flowing north beneath Outlet Road, adjacent to its source at Sabbathday Lake
See also
- List of rivers in Maine
- Toddy Brook, a tributary of the Royal River
- Brown's Point
