1616History
First visited by Europeans in 1616, it is the site of one of the earliest European settlements in the United States.
1630Economy
In 1630, the Plymouth Company granted the land south of the River Swanckadocke to Dr.
1653Government
In 1653, the town included both sides of the river, and was incorporated by the Massachusetts General Court as Saco.
1659Architecture
In 1659, Major William Phillips of Boston became a proprietor, and constructed a garrison and mill at the falls.
1675Military
During King Philip's War in 1675, the town, once again, was allegedly attacked by Native Americans.
1688Military
In 1688, Fort Mary was built near the entrance to Biddeford Pool.
1693Military
In 1693, a stone fort was built a short distance below the falls, but it was allegedly captured by Native Americans in 1703, when 11 colonists were killed and 24 taken captive t...
1718History
The town was reorganized in 1718 as Biddeford, after Bideford, a town in Devon, England, from which some settlers had emigrated.
1759History
After the Fall of Quebec in 1759, hostilities with the indigenous people ceased.
1762History
In 1762, the land northeast of the river was set off as Pepperellborough, which in 1805 was renamed Saco.
1767Architecture
The first bridge to Saco was built in 1767.
1845Architecture
Major textile manufacturing facilities were constructed along the riverbanks, including the Laconia Company in 1845, and the Pepperell Company in 1850.
1855Government
Biddeford was incorporated as a city in 1855.
1941Government
Lausier, mayor (1941–1955) and candidate for Governor (1948)
Moses Macdonald, U.S.
1942Military
During World War II, the Biddeford Pool Military Reservation was established from 1942 to 1945, on what is now the Abenakee Golf Club.
1943History
The last log drive down the Saco River was in 1943, with the last log sawed in 1948.
2000History
=== 2000 census ===
At the 2000 census, there were 20,942 people, 8,636 households and 5,259 families residing in the city.
2006Architecture
In late 2006, a 500,000-square-foot (46,000 m2) shopping center known as The Shops at Biddeford Crossing opened, with 20 stores and five restaurants.
2009Economy
As of 2009, the last remaining textile company in the city, WestPoint Home, closed.
2010History
== Demographics ==
=== 2010 census ===
At the 2010 census, there were 21,277 people, 8,598 households and 4,972 families residing in the city.
2011Culture
The island and most of adjacent Timber Point became part of the Rachel Carson National Wildlife Refuge in December 2011.