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Line 1: {{Short description\| Town in the state of Maine, United States}} ~~<!-- Image with unknown copyright status removed: [[Image:Cape_Elizabeth,_ME_Seal.JPG\|thumb\|right\|''Seal of Cape Elizabeth'']] -->~~ {{Redirect\|Cape Elizabeth\|the cape in Russia\|Cape Elizabeth (Sakhalin)}} '''Cape Elizabeth''' is a [[New England town\|town]] in [[Cumberland County, Maine\|Cumberland County]], [[Maine]], [[United States]], and is the state's most affluent municipality (per household median income) based on Census 2000 data. The population was 9,068 at the 2000 census. A residential and resort area situated on the southern shore of [[Casco Bay]] just south of [[Portland, Maine]], Cape Elizabeth is home to Crescent Beach State Park and Two Lights State Park. {{Use American English\|date=June 2025}} {{Use mdy dates\|date=May 2024}} {{Infobox settlement \| name = Cape Elizabeth, Maine \| settlement_type = [[New England town\|Town]] \| nicknames = "Cape", "the Cape", "Cape Liz", "Cape Bess", "CE", "Capeside" \| motto = <!-- Images --> Cape Elizabeth is the ___location of the "Beach to Beacon" 10-kilometer Road Race that starts at Crescent Beach State Park and ends at Portland Head Light (the "beacon"). This road race attracts world class runners and was founded by [[1984 Summer Olympics\|1984 Olympics]] marathon gold medalist [[Joan Benoit Samuelson]] who grew up in Cape Elizabeth. \| image_skyline = Portland-Head-Lighthouse.jpg \| imagesize = \| image_caption = The [[Portland Head Light]], located in Cape Elizabeth \| image_flag = \| image_seal = CapeElizabethMEseal.png <!-- Maps --> \| image_map = Cumberland County Maine incorporated and unincorporated areas Cape Elizabeth highlighted.svg \| mapsize = 260px \| map_caption = Location in [[Cumberland County, Maine\|Cumberland County]] and the state of [[Maine]]. <!-- Location --> \| subdivision_type = [[List of sovereign states\|Country]] \| subdivision_name = [[United States]] \| subdivision_type1 = [[U.S. state\|State]] \| subdivision_name1 = [[Maine]] \| subdivision_type2 = [[List of counties in Maine\|County]] \| subdivision_name2 = [[Cumberland County, Maine\|Cumberland]] \| parts_type = Neighborhoods, Villages, and Communities \| parts = Cape Elizabeth<br />Cape Cottage<br />Delano Park<br />Elizabeth Park<br />Mountainview Park<br />Pond Cove<br />Two Lights<br />Kettle Cove<br />Spurwink Shores<br />Oakhurst<br />Shore Acres<br />Bowery Beach<br />Casino Beach<br />Oceanhouse Heights<br />Fowler <br />Broad Cove <br />Great Pond \| government_footnotes = \| government_type = \| leader_title = \| leader_name = \| leader_title1 = \| leader_name1 = \| established_title = Incorporated/Chartered \| established_date = November 1, 1765 <!-- Area --> \| unit_pref = Imperial \| area_footnotes = <ref name ="Gazetteer files"/> \| area_magnitude = \| area_total_km2 = 118.96 \| area_land_km2 = 38.07 \| area_water_km2 = 80.89 \| area_total_sq_mi = 45.93 \| area_land_sq_mi = 14.70 \| area_water_sq_mi = 31.23 <!-- Population --> \| population_as_of = [[2020 United States census\|2020]] \| population_est = \| pop_est_as_of = \| population_footnotes = \| population_total = 9535 \| population_density_km2 = 250.5 \| population_density_sq_mi = <!-- General information --> \| timezone = [[North American Eastern Time Zone\|Eastern (EST)]] \| utc_offset = −5 \| timezone_DST = EDT \| utc_offset_DST = −4 \| elevation_footnotes = \| elevation_m = 19 \| elevation_ft = 62 \| coordinates = {{Coord\|43\|33\|49\|N\|70\|12\|00\|W\|type:city_region:US-ME\|display=title,inline}} \| postal_code_type = [[ZIP Code]] \| postal_code = 04107 \| area_code = [[Area code 207\|207]] \| blank_name = [[Federal Information Processing Standard\|FIPS code]] \| blank_info = 23-10180 \| blank1_name = [[Geographic Names Information System\|GNIS]] feature ID \| blank1_info = 0582387 \| website = {{URL\|www.capeelizabeth.gov}} \| footnotes = }} '''Cape Elizabeth''' is a [[New England town\|town]] in [[Cumberland County, Maine\|Cumberland County]], [[Maine]], United States. The town is part of the [[Portland, Maine\|Portland]]–[[South Portland, Maine\|South Portland]]–[[Biddeford, Maine\|Biddeford]], Maine, [[Portland–South Portland–Biddeford metropolitan area\|metropolitan statistical area]]. As of the [[2020 United States census\|2020 census]], Cape Elizabeth had a population of 9,535.<ref name="Census 2020">{{Cite web \|url=https://data.census.gov/cedsci/profile?g=0600000US2300510180\|title=Census - Geography Profile: Cape Elizabeth town, Cumberland County, Maine \|publisher=[[United States Census Bureau]] \|access-date=January 11, 2022}}</ref> One of the wealthiest towns in the state, Cape Elizabeth is the ___location of [[Portland Head Light]], which is the oldest lighthouse in Maine. Since 1998, it has hosted the [[Beach to Beacon 10K]], a world-class road race which starts at [[Crescent Beach State Park]] and ends at Portland Head Light. Cape Elizabeth has a single community school department. [[Cape Elizabeth High School]]'s team name is the "Capers". == History == ~~[[Image:PortlandHeadLight1.jpg\|thumb\|left\|''Portland Head Light'']]~~ At the southern tip of the promontory, Richmond's Island was visited about [[1605]] by [[Samuel de Champlain]]. "Cape Elizabeth" was named in [[1615]] by [[English people\|English]] explorer [[John Smith of Jamestown\|John Smith]], in honor of [[Elizabeth of Bohemia]], eldest daughter of [[James I of England\|King James I]], and sister of [[Charles I of England\|King Charles I]]. The first habitation by [[Europeans]] was on Richmond's Island. Without title, Walter Bagnall (called "Great Walt") in [[1628]] established a [[trading post]], dealing in [[rum]] and [[beaver]] skins. "His principal purpose appears to have been to drive a profitable trade with the [[Indigenous peoples of the Americas\|Indians]]," writes historian George J. Varney, "without scruple about his methods." His cheating caught up with him in October of [[1631]], when he was killed by the Indians, who also burned down his trading post. === Early exploration and settlement (1525–1650) === ~~Cape Elizabeth is home to the beast, casey~~ ~~and cam brown is the worst person in cape~~ Spanish explorers mapped the area in 1525, naming it "Cabo de Arrecife."<ref>{{cite web \|title=Cape Elizabeth \|url=https://maineanencyclopedia.com/cape-elizabeth/ \|website=Maine: An Encyclopedia \|access-date=28 June 2025}}</ref> English explorer [[Bartholomew Gosnold]] arrived on May 14, 1602, during his [[New England]] explorations.<ref>{{cite web \|title=Bartholomew Gosnold (1571–1607) \|url=https://encyclopediavirginia.org/entries/gosnold-bartholomew-1571-1607/ \|website=Encyclopedia Virginia \|date=26 August 2024 \|access-date=28 June 2025}}</ref> The English name derives from [[King Charles I of England]], who renamed it in honor of his sister, [[Elizabeth of Bohemia]], when [[John Smith (explorer)\|John Smith]] presented his 1615 map for royal approval—one of only four such royal renamings that survive today.<ref>{{cite book \|last=Stewart \|first=George R. \|title=Names on the Land: A Historical Account of Place-Naming in the United States \|year=1967 \|publisher=Houghton Mifflin \|page=38}}</ref> Two months later, the [[Plymouth Company]] granted Richmond's Island to Robert Trelawney and Moses Goodyear, merchants of [[Plymouth, England]], who made it a center for [[fisheries]] and [[trade]]. By [[1638]], Trelawney employed 60 men in the fisheries. The first settlers on the mainland were George Cleeve and Richard Tucker, who settled in [[1630]] on the shore opposite the island, and near the Spurwink River. They worked at planting, fishing and trading. Two years later they were driven off by John Winter, Trelawny's agent. In [[1636]], [[Sir Ferdinando Gorges]], Lord Proprietor of Maine, gave Cleeve and Tucker a grant of 1500 acres including the neck of land called "Machegonne" -- now [[Portland, Maine\|Portland]]. In 1643. English Parliamentarian Marshall Cowface bought the large existing "Plough" of "Lygonia" patent which included the entire area including Cape Elizabeth. The first European settlement was established on [[Richmond Island]] in 1628 by [[Walter Bagnall]], who operated a trading post dealing in rum and beaver pelts. His dishonest practices with the [[Wabanaki Confederacy\|Wabanaki]] led to his death in October 1631 when Native Americans killed him and burned his post.<ref>{{cite web \|title=Richmond Island's Pot of Gold \|url=https://maineboats.com/print/issue-157/richmond-island's-pot-gold \|website=Maine Boats Homes & Harbors \|date=14 February 2019 \|access-date=28 June 2025}}</ref> Two months later, the [[Plymouth Company]] granted the island to [[Robert Trelawney]] and Moses Goodyear, who developed it into a fishing and trading center employing 60 men by 1638.<ref>{{cite web \|title=Robert Trelawney \|url=https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Robert_Trelawney \|date=11 February 2025 \|access-date=28 June 2025}}</ref> The Cape Elizabeth settlement located on the Fore River would be known as "Purpoodock." It was attacked during [[King Philip's War]] in [[1675]], then destroyed in [[1703]]. It would be resettled about [[1719]] or [[1720]]. Cape Elizabeth became [[Maine]]'s twenty-third town on [[November 1]], [[1765]] when it separated from "Falmouth," as Portland was then known. Its first town meeting was held on [[December 2]], 1765. [[South Portland, Maine\|South Portland]] separated from Cape Elizabeth in [[1895]]. [[George Cleeve]] and Richard Tucker established the first mainland settlement in 1630 near the [[Spurwink River]]. After being displaced by John Winter in 1632, they received a 1,500-acre grant from [[Sir Ferdinando Gorges]] in 1636, including the peninsula called Machegonne (now [[Portland, Maine\|Portland]]). The area came under [[Alexander Rigby]]'s control in 1643 when he purchased the Plough of Lygonia patent.<ref>{{cite book \|last=Coolidge \|first=Austin J. \|last2=Mansfield \|first2=John B. \|title=A History and Description of New England \|year=1859 \|publisher=A.J. Coolidge \|___location=Boston \|pages=85–86}}</ref> ~~[[Image:Entrance to Fort Williams, Cape Elizabeth, ME.jpg\|thumb\|right\|''Fort Williams'' in [[1907]]]]~~ In [[1872]], construction of an [[artillery]] base began around [[Portland Head Light]], which in [[1899]] would be named "Fort Williams," after Major General Seth Williams of the [[American Civil War\|Civil War]]. The fort was to guard the southern entrance to Portland Harbor. Active between 1899 and [[1962]], the fort was purchased by the town for about $200,000. Today, Fort Williams Park includes the ruins of the Goddard Mansion and three battery posts, [[Portland Head Light]] (dating from [[1790]] and authorized by [[George Washington]]) and museum, tennis courts, a baseball diamond and grandstand, several acres of fields, a magnificent stretch of accessible coastline, and is available for use free of charge to the public. It is considered by some to be the best party town in the world.{{Fact\|date=March 2007}} === Colonial conflicts (1675–1720) === ~~'''''Notable Inhabitants:'''''~~ * [[Carl Burnett]], ski racer * [[Bette Davis]], actress * [[John Ford]], film director * [[Gary Merrill]], actor * [[Joan Benoit Samuelson]], marathon runner The settlement at Purpoodock on the [[Fore River (Maine)\|Fore River]] was attacked during [[King Philip's War]] in 1675. During [[King William's War]], Major [[Benjamin Church (ranger)\|Benjamin Church]] arrived at [[Casco Bay]] with 300 men on September 11, 1690. After attacking a Native American village upriver, Church's forces were retaliated against at Purpooduc Point, where seven of his men were killed and 24 wounded.<ref>{{cite web \|title=Benjamin Church Created America's First Ranger Force \|url=https://warfarehistorynetwork.com/article/benjamin-church/ \|website=Warfare History Network \|date=13 July 2022 \|access-date=28 June 2025}}</ref> The town was completely destroyed in 1703 during [[Queen Anne's War]] and remained largely abandoned until resettlement began around 1719-1720. ~~'''''Historic Sites & Museums'''''~~ * Fort Williams Park Museum === Municipal development (1765–1895) === * [http://www.portlandheadlight.com/park.html Portland Head Light Museum] * Cresent Beach State Park Cape Elizabeth separated from Falmouth (now Portland) on November 1, 1765, becoming Maine's 23rd incorporated town. The first town meeting was held on December 2, 1765.<ref>{{cite web \|title=Cape Elizabeth \|url=https://maineanencyclopedia.com/cape-elizabeth/ \|website=Maine: An Encyclopedia \|access-date=28 June 2025}}</ref> The original boundaries included all area south of Portland Harbor and east of the Spurwink River.<ref>{{cite web \|title=History \|url=https://www.capeelizabeth.gov/our_community/about_us.php \|website=Town of Cape Elizabeth \|access-date=28 June 2025}}</ref> * Cape V In 1895, [[South Portland, Maine\|South Portland]] separated from Cape Elizabeth due to contrasting development patterns—commercial and industrial growth in the north versus the continuing rural character in the south. During this period, the community attracted notable architecture, including several houses designed by [[John Calvin Stevens]].<ref>{{cite web \|title=John Calvin Stevens \|url=https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Calvin_Stevens \|date=20 November 2024 \|access-date=28 June 2025}}</ref> === Fort Williams era (1872–1962) === The [[United States Army]] began constructing a coast artillery fort around [[Portland Head Light]] in 1872 to guard Portland Harbor's southern entrance. Named [[Fort Williams]] in 1899 for Civil War Major General [[Seth Williams]], the installation served actively until 1962. The town purchased the property for approximately $200,000, creating [[Fort Williams Park]], which includes the lighthouse and museum, fort ruins, the Goddard Mansion ruins, and recreational facilities.<ref>{{cite web \|title=History of Fort Williams \|url=http://www.fortwilliams.org/hist_01.html \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110726062217/http://www.fortwilliams.org/hist_01.html \|url-status=dead \|archive-date=2011-07-26 \|access-date=3 December 2010}}</ref> === Modern era === Cape Elizabeth has developed into one of Maine's wealthiest communities while preserving its historic character. Since 1998, the town has hosted the [[Beach to Beacon 10K]] road race from [[Crescent Beach State Park]] to Portland Head Light. The Cape Elizabeth Land Trust protects 560 acres across 22 parcels, maintaining extensive trail systems that reflect the community's commitment to balancing development with conservation.<ref>{{cite web \|title=Cape Elizabeth Land Trust \|url=https://www.capelandtrust.org/ \|access-date=17 December 2020}}</ref> ==Geography== [[File:Cape Elizabeth.JPG\|thumb\|right\|225px\|October 2006 Sunrise at Cape Elizabeth]] According to the [[United States Census Bureau]], the town has a total area of 151.3 [[km²]] (58.4 [[square mile\|mi²]]). 38.2 km² (14.7 mi²) of it is land and 113.1 km² (43.7 mi²) of it is water. The town includes two islands. Ram Island, very small and unoccupied and the larger Richmond's Island used primarily for farming. The total area is 74.78% water. The nearest city is Portland. Portland Head Light, claimed to be the most-photographed lighthouse in the world, is actually located in Cape Elizabeth in what is now called Fort Williams Park. According to the [[United States Census Bureau]], the town has a total area of {{convert\|45.93\|sqmi\|sqkm\|2}}, of which {{convert\|14.70\|sqmi\|sqkm\|2}} is land and {{convert\|31.23\|sqmi\|sqkm\|2}} is water.<ref name ="Gazetteer files">{{cite web\|title=US Gazetteer files 2010\|url=https://www.census.gov/geo/maps-data/data/gazetteer2010.html\|publisher=[[United States Census Bureau]]\|access-date=December 16, 2012}}</ref> The nearest city is [[South Portland, Maine\|South Portland]]. Cape Elizabeth shares a border with [[South Portland, Maine\|South Portland]] to the north and [[Scarborough, Maine\|Scarborough]] to the west. The town includes two islands. Ram Island is a small and unoccupied island southwest of Richmond Island. This should not be confused with Ram Island Ledge which contains Ram Island Ledge Light and is within Portland, Maine. The {{convert\|226\|acre\|adj=on}} Richmond Island, originally inhabited by Native Americans, then English settlers, is now uninhabited except by a small herd of sheep. Cape Elizabeth is the home of three coastal parks: [[Fort Williams Park]], [[Two Lights State Park]], and [[Crescent Beach State Park]]. Additionally, the Cape Elizabeth Land Trust, a private nonprofit corporation, protects {{convert\|560\|acre}} of land on 22 different parcels for public use, maintaining a large system of connecting non-motorized trails on most.<ref>{{Cite web\|url=https://www.capelandtrust.org/\|title=Cape Elizabeth Land Trust - Preserving the rural character of Cape Elizabeth for future generations\|website=www.capelandtrust.org\|access-date=December 17, 2020}}</ref> The town itself has 923 acres of land owned or under easement protection for conservation purposes.<ref>{{cite web \|url=https://www.capeelizabeth.gov/departments/planning/conservation/open_space_plans/index.php \|title=Open Space Inventory - Town of Cape Elizabeth, ME \|website=www.capeelizabeth.gov \|url-status=dead \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110106083334/https://www.capeelizabeth.gov/departments/planning/conservation/open_space_plans/index.php \|archive-date=January 6, 2011}}</ref> ==Demographics== {{US Census population ~~[[Image:Casino,_Cape_Elizabeth,_ME.JPG\|thumb\|right\|''Cape Cottage Casino'' in c. [[1905]]]]~~ \|1790= 1356 As of the [[census]][[Geographic references#2\|<sup>2</sup>]] of 2000, there were 9,068 people, 3,488 households, and 2,605 families residing in the town. In 1950, the population was 3,816. The [[population density]] was 237.7/km² (615.5/mi²). There were 3,724 housing units at an average density of 97.6/km² (252.8/mi²). The racial makeup of the town was 97.97% [[White (U.S. Census)\|White]], 0.32% [[African American (U.S. Census)\|African American]], 0.06% [[Native American (U.S. Census)\|Native American]], 0.99% [[Asian (U.S. Census)\|Asian]], 0.06% [[Pacific Islander (U.S. Census)\|Pacific Islander]], 0.12% from [[Race (United States Census)\|other races]], and 0.49% from two or more races. [[Hispanic (U.S. Census)\|Hispanic]] or [[Latino (U.S. Census)\|Latino]] of any race were 0.50% of the population. \|1800= 1275 \|1810= 1415 \|1820= 1688 \|1830= 1696 \|1840= 1666 \|1850= 2082 \|1860= 3278 \|1870= 5106 \|1880= 5302 \|1890= 5459 \|1900= 887 \|1910= 1857 \|1920= 1534 \|1930= 2376 \|1940= 3172 \|1950= 3816 \|1960= 5505 \|1970= 7873 \|1980= 7838 \|1990= 8854 \|2000= 9068 \|2010= 9015 \|2020= 9535 \|footnote=U.S. Decennial Census<ref name="DecennialCensus">{{cite web \|url=https://www.census.gov/programs-surveys/decennial-census.html \|title=Census of Population and Housing \|publisher=Census.gov \|access-date=June 4, 2015 }}</ref> }} ===2010 census=== There were 3,488 households out of which 36.0% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 65.7% were [[Marriage\|married couples]] living together, 6.5% had a female householder with no husband present, and 25.3% were non-families. 21.1% of all households were made up of individuals and 9.9% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.57 and the average family size was 3.01. As of the [[census]]<ref name ="wwwcensusgov">{{cite web\|title=U.S. Census website\|url=https://www.census.gov\|publisher=[[United States Census Bureau]]\|access-date=December 16, 2012}}</ref> of 2010, there were 9,015 people, 3,616 households, and 2,620 families living in the town. The [[population density]] was {{convert\|613.3\|PD/sqmi\|PD/km2\|1}}. There were 3,963 housing units at an average density of {{convert\|269.6\|/sqmi\|/km2\|1}}. The racial makeup of the town was 96.6% [[White (U.S. Census)\|White]], 0.5% [[African American (U.S. Census)\|African American]], 0.2% [[Native American (U.S. Census)\|Native American]], 1.4% [[Asian (U.S. Census)\|Asian]], 0.1% [[Race (U.S. Census)\|Pacific Islander]], 0.3% from [[Race (U.S. Census)\|other races]], and 1.0% from two or more races. [[Hispanic (U.S. Census)\|Hispanic]] or [[Latino (U.S. Census)\|Latino]] of any race were 1.4% of the population. There were 3,616 households, of which 33.5% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 62.5% were [[Marriage\|married couples]] living together, 7.3% had a female householder with no husband present, 2.7% had a male householder with no wife present, and 27.5% were non-families. 22.9% of all households were made up of individuals, and 10.7% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.49 and the average family size was 2.95. ~~[[Image:Theatre,_Cape_Elizabeth,_ME.JPG\|thumb\|left\|''Cape Cottage Theatre'' in [[1906]]]]~~ In the town the population was spread out with 26.5% under the age of 18, 3.7% from 18 to 24, 23.5% from 25 to 44, 30.3% from 45 to 64, and 16.0% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 43 years. For every 100 females there were 91.4 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 85.4 males. The median ~~income for a household~~age in the town was ~~$72,359,~~46.8 ~~and~~years. ~~the~~25% ~~median~~of ~~income~~residents ~~for~~were aunder ~~family~~the ~~was~~age ~~$86,126~~of 18; 4.5% ~~Males~~were ~~had~~between athe ~~median income~~ages of ~~$61,128~~18 ~~versus~~and ~~$32,500~~24; ~~for females~~17.3% ~~The~~were ~~[[per~~from ~~capita~~25 ~~income]]~~to ~~for~~44; ~~the town was $~~37~~,983~~.3% were ~~About~~from ~~1.3%~~45 ofto ~~families~~64; and 316.1% ofwere ~~the~~65 ~~population~~years ~~were~~of ~~below~~age ~~the~~or ~~[[poverty~~older. ~~line]],~~The ~~including~~gender ~~1.5%~~makeup of ~~those~~the ~~under~~town ~~age~~was 1848.2% male and 51.8.1% ~~of those age 65 or over~~female. ===2000 census=== ~~== Cape Elizabeth Schools ==~~ As of the [[census]]<ref name="GR2">{{cite web \|url=https://www.census.gov \|publisher=[[United States Census Bureau]] \|access-date=January 31, 2008 \|title=U.S. Census website }}</ref> of 2000, there were 9,068 people, 3,488 households, and 2,605 families living in the town. The population density was {{convert\|615.5\|PD/sqmi\|PD/km2\|sp=us\|adj=off}}. There were 3,724 housing units at an average density of {{convert\|252.8\|/sqmi\|/km2\|sp=us\|adj=off}}. The racial makeup of the town was 98% [[White (U.S. Census)\|White]], 0.3% [[African American (U.S. Census)\|African American]], 0.06% [[Native American (U.S. Census)\|Native American]], 0.99% [[Asian (U.S. Census)\|Asian]], 0.06% [[Pacific Islander (U.S. Census)\|Pacific Islander]], 0.12% from [[Race (United States Census)\|other races]], and 0.49% from two or more races. [[Hispanic (U.S. Census)\|Hispanic]] or [[Latino (U.S. Census)\|Latino]] of any race were 0.50% of the population.<ref>[http://www.citytowninfo.com/places/maine/cape-elizabeth] Information, Cape Elizabeth</ref> The Cape Elizabeth School Department is comprised of Pond Cove Elementary School, Cape Elizabeth Middle School, and Cape Elizabeth High School, the town's only public schools. The Cape Elizabeth School Department is located on the same campus. No private educational institutions, with the exception of preschools and day care centers, are located in Cape Elizabeth. The High School had its first graduating class in [[1877]]. In recent years Cape Elizabeth has averaged the highest SAT scores and the greatest number of National Merit scholars of any high school, public or private, in Maine.{{Fact\|date=February 2007}} Although the actual average SAT score for the class of 2007 has not yet been determined, the average for the 2006 April SAT test, which 99% of Cape's Juniors took in accordance with state law, was 1653{{Fact\|date=February 2007}}; the average is expected to increase once students who took the test multiple times have their highest scores averaged in. As of December 2006, Cape Elizabeth High School listed enrollment at just under 600 students. The class of 2007 currently has an enrollment of 140. There were 3,488 households, out of which 36.0% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 65.7% were [[Marriage\|married couples]] living together, 6.5% had a female householder with no husband present, and 25.3% were non-families. 21.1% of all households were made up of individuals, and 9.9% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.57 and the average family size was 3.01. ~~== Media ==~~ Cape Elizabeth is served by a community newspaper, the ''Cape Courier''. The non-profit, bi-monthly paper is largely supported by volunteers, and was started by Ellen Van Fleet and Jan Soland in [[1988]]. [[Current Publishing\|''The Current'']], a weekly that began publishing in [[2001]], also serves the town, as well as the neighboring communities of [[Scarborough, Maine\|Scarborough]] and South Portland. The earliest newspaper in town was the ''Casket'', published in [[1868]] by George Libby, a realtor. ''The Coast Watch'' was a weekly newspaper started in [[1895]], lasting 20 years. In [[1881]], the ''Cape Elizabeth Sentinel'' was published in Ferry Village, now a part of South Portland. This weekly lasted nearly 30 years. Cape Elizabeth is also home to [http://www.kennealy.com/ Jack Kennealy], Maine's best known landscape photographer. In the town, the population was spread out, with 26.5% under the age of 18, 3.7% from 18 to 24, 23.5% from 25 to 44, 30.3% from 45 to 64, and 16.0% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 43 years. For every 100 females, there were 91.4 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 85.4 males. ~~==External links==~~ * [http://www.capeelizabeth.com/ Town of Cape Elizabeth, Maine ''Official Website''] [http://www.state.me.us/cgi-bin/doc/parks/find_one_name.pl?park_id=4 Crescent Beach State Park] [http://www.keepMEcurrent.com/ The Current, a weekly newspaper covering Cape Elizabeth] [http://history.rays-place.com/me/cape-elizabeth-me.htm History of Cape Elizabeth, Maine] [http://www.portlandheadlight.com Portland Head Light] ** [http://www.state.me.us/cgi-bin/doc/parks/find_one_name.pl?park_id=28 Two Lights State Park] The median income for a household in the town was $144,250 (2022). In 2000, Males had a median income of $61,128 versus $32,500 for females. The [[per capita income]] for the town was $47,983. About 1.3% of families and 3.1% of the population were below the [[poverty line]], including 1.5% of those under age 18 and 8.1% of those age 65 or over. ~~{{Maine}}~~ ==Schools== {{Unreferenced section\|date=June 2010}} The Cape Elizabeth School Department consists of Elementary School, Cape Elizabeth Middle School, and [[Cape Elizabeth High School]],<ref>{{Cite web \|title=Cape Elizabeth School Department \|url=https://www.cape.k12.me.us \|access-date=2024-09-23 \|website=www.cape.k12.me.us \|language=en}}</ref> all situated in one campus in the town center.<ref>{{Cite web \|title=School Department - Town of Cape Elizabeth, Maine \|url=https://www.capeelizabeth.gov/departments/school_department/index.php#:~:text=The%20Cape%20Elizabeth%20School%20Department,and%20Cape%20Elizabeth%20High%20School. \|access-date=2024-09-23 \|website=www.capeelizabeth.gov}}</ref> The Cape Elizabeth School Department offices are across the street in the Cape Elizabeth Town Hall. Cape Elizabeth is also home to many preschools and day care centers. The high school had its first graduating class in 1877. Cape Elizabeth is home to one of the oldest continually operating preschools in the greater Portland area, Ledgemere Country Day School. The school opened in 1935 and has been operating in the same ___location ever since, under a number of different owners. In 2025 the Cape Elizabeth School Board unanimously approved a proposal that would build a new middle school and may critical improvements to the elementary and high schools. On June 10, 2025 Cape Elizabeth voters approved the bond by 53%. The new middle school is expected to open in Autumn, 2028. [https://www.pressherald.com/2025/06/10/on-third-try-cape-elizabeth-voters-approve-costly-school-project/] ==Government and politics== Cape Elizabeth has a town council-town manager form of government. The seven-member town council is elected at large on a nonpartisan basis to staggered three-year terms. The school board is also a seven-member body elected at large on a nonpartisan basis to staggered three-year terms.<ref>{{cite web \|url=https://www.capeelizabeth.gov/government/index.php \|title=Government - Town of Cape Elizabeth, ME \|website=www.capeelizabeth.gov \|url-status=dead \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110108011516/https://www.capeelizabeth.gov/government/index.php \|archive-date=January 8, 2011}}</ref> [https://www.capeelizabeth.gov/government/elected_officials/town_council/index.php Town council incumbents] (term expires): * Penelope A. Jordan (12/2025) ''Chair'' * Stephanie P. Anderson (12/2026) * Caitlin Jordan Harriman (12/2025) * Jonathan Sahrbeck (12/2027) * Elizabeth K. Scifres (12/2027) * Andrew B. Swayze (12/2027) * Timothy L. Thompson (12/2026) The school board incumbents<ref>{{Cite web \|title=Welcome to Cape Elizabeth, ME \|url=https://www.capeelizabeth.gov/government/elected_officials/school_board/index.php \|access-date=2025-07-09 \|website=www.capeelizabeth.gov \|language=en}}</ref> (term expires): * Philip Saucier (12/2025) ''Chair'' * Cynthia R. Voltz (12/2026) ''Vice Chair'' * Christopher Boniakowski (12/2027) * Joy Engel (12/2027) * Jennifer L. McVeigh (12/2026) * Lee Schroeder (12/2027) * Caitlin S. Sweet (12/2025) The Town Manager is Patrick Fox. The Superintendent of Schools is Dr. Christopher Record. ===Election results=== Cape Elizabeth voted for all Republican presidential candidates from 1968–1988 by double digit margins, then voted Republican narrowly in the three way election of 1992, and has voted for each of the seven Democratic presidential candidates since 1996; five of them by double digits. {\| class="wikitable" \|+ Cape Elizabeth town vote<br /> by party in presidential elections<ref>{{Cite web\|url=https://authoring.ct.gov//SOTS/Election-Services/Statement-Of-Vote-PDFs/General-Elections-Statement-of-Vote-1922\|title = General Elections Statement of Vote 1922}}</ref> \|- style="background:lightgrey;" ! Year ! [[Democratic Party (United States)\|Democratic]] ! [[Republican Party (United States)\|Republican]] ! [[Third party (United States)\|Third Parties]] \|- \|align="center" {{Party shading/Democratic}}\|[[2020 United States presidential election\|2020]]<ref name="uselectionatlas.org">{{Cite web\|url=https://uselectionatlas.org/RESULTS/index.html\|title = Dave Leip's Atlas of U.S. Presidential Elections}}</ref> \|align="center" {{Party shading/Democratic}}\|'''77.09%''' ''5,349'' \|align="center" {{Party shading/Republican}}\|21.07% ''1,462'' \|align="center" {{Party shading/Independent}}\|1.84% ''128'' \|- \|align="center" {{Party shading/Democratic}}\|[[2016 United States presidential election\|2016]]<ref name="uselectionatlas.org"/> \|align="center" {{Party shading/Democratic}}\|'''70.23%''' ''4,480'' \|align="center" {{Party shading/Republican}}\|24.97% ''1,593'' \|align="center" {{Party shading/Independent}}\|4.80% ''306'' \|- \|align="center" {{Party shading/Democratic}}\|[[2012 United States presidential election\|2012]]<ref name="uselectionatlas.org"/> \|align="center" {{Party shading/Democratic}}\|'''63.08%''' ''4,018'' \|align="center" {{Party shading/Republican}}\|35.49% ''2,261'' \|align="center" {{Party shading/Independent}}\|1.43% ''91'' \|- \|align="center" {{Party shading/Democratic}}\|[[2008 United States presidential election\|2008]]<ref name="uselectionatlas.org"/> \|align="center" {{Party shading/Democratic}}\|'''65.69%''' ''4,164'' \|align="center" {{Party shading/Republican}}\|33.41% ''2,118'' \|align="center" {{Party shading/Independent}}\|0.90% ''57'' \|- \|align="center" {{Party shading/Democratic}}\|[[2004 United States presidential election\|2004]]<ref name="uselectionatlas.org"/> \|align="center" {{Party shading/Democratic}}\|'''58.39%''' ''3,679'' \|align="center" {{Party shading/Republican}}\|40.44% ''2,548'' \|align="center" {{Party shading/Independent}}\|1.17% ''74'' \|- \|align="center" {{Party shading/Democratic}}\|[[2000 United States presidential election\|2000]]<ref name="uselectionatlas.org"/> \|align="center" {{Party shading/Democratic}}\|'''49.25%''' ''2,962'' \|align="center" {{Party shading/Republican}}\|45.04% ''2,709'' \|align="center" {{Party shading/Independent}}\|5.70% ''343'' \|- \|align="center" {{Party shading/Democratic}}\|[[1996 United States presidential election\|1996]]<ref name="uselectionatlas.org"/> \|align="center" {{Party shading/Democratic}}\|'''48.17%''' ''2,734'' \|align="center" {{Party shading/Republican}}\|42.12% ''2,391'' \|align="center" {{Party shading/Independent}}\|9.70% ''551'' \|- \|align="center" {{Party shading/Republican}}\|[[1992 United States presidential election\|1992]]<ref name="uselectionatlas.org"/> \|align="center" {{Party shading/Democratic}}\|40.24% ''1,574'' \|align="center" {{Party shading/Republican}}\|'''41.09%''' ''2,186'' \|align="center" {{Party shading/Independent}}\|18.68% ''1,163'' \|- \|align="center" {{Party shading/Republican}}\|[[1988 United States presidential election\|1988]]<ref name="uselectionatlas.org"/> \|align="center" {{Party shading/Democratic}}\|39.00% ''2,099'' \|align="center" {{Party shading/Republican}}\|'''59.96%''' ''3,227'' \|align="center" {{Party shading/Independent}}\|1.04% ''56'' \|- \|align="center" {{Party shading/Republican}}\|[[1984 United States presidential election\|1984]]<ref name="uselectionatlas.org"/> \|align="center" {{Party shading/Democratic}}\|35.81% ''1,901'' \|align="center" {{Party shading/Republican}}\|'''64.11%''' ''3,403'' \|align="center" {{Party shading/Independent}}\|0.08% ''4'' \|- \|align="center" {{Party shading/Republican}}\|[[1980 United States presidential election\|1980]]<ref name="uselectionatlas.org"/> \|align="center" {{Party shading/Democratic}}\|31.24% ''1,545'' \|align="center" {{Party shading/Republican}}\|'''54.79%''' ''2,710'' \|align="center" {{Party shading/Independent}}\|13.97% ''691'' \|- \|align="center" {{Party shading/Republican}}\|[[1976 United States presidential election\|1976]]<ref>{{cite journal \| url=https://digitalmaine.com/tabulations_for_elections_1970s/62/ \| title=1976 General Election: Presidential \| journal=1970-1979 \| date=November 2, 1976 }}</ref> \|align="center" {{Party shading/Democratic}}\|31.51% ''1,639'' \|align="center" {{Party shading/Republican}}\|'''66.28%''' ''3,448'' \|align="center" {{Party shading/Independent}}\|2.21% ''115'' \|- \|align="center" {{Party shading/Republican}}\|[[1972 United States presidential election\|1972]]<ref>{{cite journal \| url=https://digitalmaine.com/tabulations_for_elections_1970s/29/ \| title=1972 General Election: Presidential \| journal=1970-1979 \| date=November 7, 1972 }}</ref> \|align="center" {{Party shading/Democratic}}\|28.99% ''1,238'' \|align="center" {{Party shading/Republican}}\|'''71.01%''' ''3,033'' \|align="center" {{Party shading/Independent}}\|0.00% ''0'' \|- \|align="center" {{Party shading/Republican}}\|[[1968 United States presidential election\|1968]]<ref>{{cite journal \| url=https://digitalmaine.com/tabulations_for_elections_1960s/65/ \| title=1968 General Election: Presidential \| journal=1960-1969 \| date=November 5, 1968 }}</ref> \|align="center" {{Party shading/Democratic}}\|39.83% ''1,540'' \|align="center" {{Party shading/Republican}}\|'''59.39%''' ''2,296'' \|align="center" {{Party shading/Independent}}\|0.78% ''30'' \|- \|} ==Media== {{More citations needed section\|date=June 2023}} Cape Elizabeth is served by a community newspaper, the ''[http://www.capecourier.com/ Cape Courier]''. The nonprofit, biweekly paper is largely supported by volunteers, and was started by Ellen Van Fleet and Jan Soland in 1988. [[Current Publishing\|''The Current'']], a weekly that began publishing in 2001, also serves the town, as well as the neighboring communities of [[Scarborough, Maine\|Scarborough]] and South Portland. The earliest newspaper in town was the ''Casket'', published in 1868 by George Libby, a realtor. ''The Coast Watch'' was a weekly newspaper started in 1895, lasting 20 years. In 1881, the ''Cape Elizabeth Sentinel'' was published in Ferry Village, now a part of South Portland. This weekly lasted nearly 30 years.<ref>{{cite news\|last=DiPhilippo\|first=Kathryn Onos\|date=April 20, 2021\|title=A Window on the Past – The Harford family of Ferry Village\|url=https://www.pressherald.com/2021/04/20/a-window-on-the-past-the-harford-family-of-ferry-village/\|newspaper=[[Portland Press Herald]]\|access-date=June 23, 2023}}</ref> ==Sites of interest== * [[Beach to Beacon 10K]] * [[Cape Elizabeth Lights]] * [[Crescent Beach State Park]] * [[Fort Williams Park]] * [[Portland Head Light]] * [[Ram Island Ledge Light]] * [[Spurwink Congregational Church]] * [[Spurwink River]] * [[Two Lights State Park]] == Notable people == <!-- Note: · Only people who already have a Wikipedia article may appear here. This establishes notability. · The article must mention how they are associated with Cape Elizabeth, whether born, raised, or residing. · The fact of their association should have a reliable source cited. · Alphabetical by last name please. · All others will be deleted. --> * [[Joan Benoit]], gold medalist in 1984 Olympic Marathon, Founder of the [[Beach to Beacon 10K]] * [[Ben Brewster (soccer, born 1992)\|Ben Brewster]], soccer player and coach<ref>{{Cite web \|title=Ben Brewster \|url=https://gobatesbobcats.com/staff-directory/ben-brewster/266 \|access-date=February 11, 2025 \|website=[[Bates Bobcats]]}}</ref> * [[Alexander Chee]], fiction writer * [[George Cleeve]], early settler * [[Eliot Cutler]], lawyer, entrepreneur, [[Maine gubernatorial election, 2010\|politician and candidate for Governor in 2010]] * [[Daniel Dennett]], cognitive scientist and philosopher * [[Bette Davis]], actress * [[Cynthia Dill]], lawyer and 2012 Democratic candidate for United States Senate * [[Clara L. Brown Dyer]] (1849–1931), artist * [[Clare Egan]], Winter biathlete * [[Eleanor Espling]], politician * [[Nathaniel Fick]], diplomat, entrepreneur, author * [[John Ford]], film director * [[Doug Friedman]], [[Professional sports\|professional]] [[ice hockey]] player * [[Guy Gannett]], newspaper publisher * [[Richard D. Hewes]], lawyer, Speaker of the House of the Maine Legislature, state senator, Cumberland County Commissioner * [[William J. Kayatta, Jr.]], federal Court of Appeals judge * [[Thomas D. Kinley]], US Army major general, resided in Cape Elizabeth<ref name="GOMO">{{cite web \|url=https://www.nationalguard.mil/Leadership/Joint-Staff/Special-Staff/Senior-Leader-Management-Office/General-Officer-Management/bio-show/380/ \|title=Biography, Major General Thomas D. Kinley \|author=General Officer Management Office \|date=October 31, 1996 \|website=Senior Leader Management Office \|publisher=National Guard Bureau \|___location=Arlington, VA \|access-date=October 14, 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite news \|date=October 30, 1996 \|title=Military Notes: Thomas D. Kinley \|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/portland-press-herald-military/157147603/ \|work=[[Portland Press Herald]] \|___location=Portland, ME \|page=7B \|via=[[Newspapers.com]]}}</ref> * [[Dorothy Bush Koch]], sister of former president [[George W. Bush]]<ref>{{cite news\| url=https://www.nytimes.com/1989/08/30/us/president-s-daughter-is-said-to-separate-from-husband.html \| work=The New York Times \| title=President's Daughter Is Said To Separate From Husband \| date=August 30, 1989}}</ref> * [[Henry Kramer]], classical pianist * [[Samuel Longfellow]], clergyman and hymn writer * [[Jean Ginn Marvin]], state legislator * [[Nancy Masterton]], state representative * [[Vincent L. McKusick]], former Chief Justice of the Maine Supreme Court * [[Gary Merrill]], actor * [[Dodge Morgan]], sailor, businessman, and publisher * [[Michael Murphy (actor)\|Michael Murphy]], actor of film, television, and the stage * [[James C. Oliver]], US congressman * [[Elizabeth Oakes Smith]], poet, writer, and women's rights activist * [[Matt Rand]], distance runner * [[Role Model (singer)\|Role Model]], recording artist * [[Sidney Toler]], actor * [[Joy Williams (American writer)\|Joy Williams]], fiction writer and essayist ==References== {{portal\|Maine}} {{reflist\|30em}} ==External links== * [http://www.capeelizabeth.gov Town of Cape Elizabeth official website] * [http://www.thomasmemoriallibrary.org/ Thomas Memorial Library] {{Cumberland County, Maine}} ~~{{coor title dms\|43\|33\|49\|N\|70\|12\|00\|W\|type:city_region:US-ME}}~~ {{authority control}} [[Category:~~Cumberland~~Cape ~~County~~Elizabeth, Maine\| ]] [[Category:Towns in Cumberland County, Maine]] [[Category:Populated coastal places in Maine]] [[Category:Portland metropolitan area, Maine]] [[Category:Populated places established in 1628]] [[Category:1628 establishments in the Thirteen Colonies]] [[Category:Casco Bay]] [[Category:Towns in Maine]]