West of North Windham on Route 35, the road crosses 2 bridges about a mile from town. To the average person, passing by at the posted speed of 50 mph, the streams that the bridges cross are like all the others. A closer look at the westerly stream reveals something different. This stream is much to straight. And, as we all know, nature abhors straight lines. This must be the hand of man.

But this is only one clue. There are others to be found. In Westbrook we find Canal School. In Gorham, there is Olde Canal Place. Also, there are several roads that bear witness, through  they're names, to history. Canal Road and Tow Path Road begin to explain the mystery. Up until several years ago, Canal Bank was a well known financial institution in Southern Maine. But where did it's name come from?

These are some questions we will answer as we take you
In Search of The Cumberland and Oxford Canal.

Our search will take us from Portland Harbor to Harrison. We will travel back in time to look at the origins and operations of the canal. Utilizing old and new photos, historical documents, maps and written history, we will delve into the past and present of the canal.
For those who wish to see some of the sites, we have detailed directions so you can explore them for your self.