Bailey Island, Coastal island in Cumberland County, Maine
Bailey Island is a granite island in Cumberland County, Maine, connected to Orr's Island by the Cribstone Bridge. This unusual bridge has wide gaps between its stones that allow boats to pass underneath when the tides permit.
The Abenaki people originally called the island Newaggin before Reverend Timothy Bailey purchased and settled it in 1742. Since then, it developed into a center for fishing and maritime activities.
The working harbor at Mackerel Cove shapes daily life, where fishing boats come and go with the tides and locals practice skills passed down through generations. This rhythm of work on the water shows how fishing remains at the heart of the community.
The island is reachable by car from Brunswick, about 15 miles away, or by boat from Portland, roughly 50 miles to the south. The warmer months work best for visiting, when roads are dry and boat tours run regularly.
The island gained global attention in July 2020 when it was the site of Maine's first documented fatal shark encounter, involving a great white shark. This rare incident highlighted how ocean predators have expanded their range into northern waters.
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