Winnegance, Maine facts for kids
Winnegance is a special area in the state of Maine, United States. It's not just one town, but a region that includes parts of West Bath, Phippsburg, and the city of Bath. You can find Winnegance in Sagadahoc County, close to Winnegance Lake and Winnegance Creek.
What Does Winnegance Mean?
The name "Winnegance" comes from an old word, "Winnegansis." This word was used by the Abenaki people, who are Native Americans from this region. "Winnegansis" means "little portage."
Why "Little Portage"?
A "portage" is when people carry their boats or canoes over land between two bodies of water. This was a very clever way for travelers to get around in the past.
Long ago, people would paddle their canoes up Winnegance Creek from the Kennebec River. Then, they would carry their canoes a short distance west. This path led them to Winnegance Bay, which connects to the New Meadows River. This "little portage" helped them avoid the rough and dangerous waters near the mouth of the Kennebec River and a place called Small Point. It made their journeys much safer and easier! Today, this historic route crosses private land.
