1630Government
In 1630 the Plymouth Company granted Thomas Lewis and Richard Bonython a charter to establish a town at Saco, with a deed that extended 4 miles (6.4 km) along the sea, by 8 mile...
1631Government
Settled in 1631 as part of Winter Harbor (as Biddeford Pool was first known).
1636History
The government of Maine, under Ferdinando Gorges, was based in the town from 1636 to 1653.
1653History
It would be reorganized in 1653 by the Massachusetts General Court as Saco, which would be renamed Biddeford in 1718.
1675Military
The settlement was attacked by Indians in 1675 during King Philip's War.
1689Military
In 1689 during King William's War, it was again attacked, with some residents taken captive.
1702Infrastructure
Hostilities intensified from 1702 until 1709, then ceased in 1713 with the Treaty of Portsmouth.
1718Government
The community was rebuilt and in 1718 incorporated as Biddeford.
1723Military
Peace would not last, however, and the town was again attacked in 1723 during Dummer's War, when it contained 14 garrisons.
1724History
But in 1724, a Massachusetts militia destroyed Norridgewock, an Abenaki stronghold on the Kennebec River organizing raids on English settlements.
1745Military
The region became less dangerous, especially after the French defeat in 1745 at the Battle of Louisburg.
1762Military
In 1762, the northeastern bank of Biddeford separated as the District of Pepperrellborough, named for Sir William Pepperrell, hero of the Battle of Louisburg and late proprietor...
1763Military
The French and Indian Wars finally ended with the 1763 Treaty of Paris.
1775Government
The district was incorporated as the Town of Pepperellborough in 1775.
1805History
Inhabitants found the name to be cumbersome, so in 1805 it was renamed Saco.
1811Economy
On Factory Island, the Saco Iron Works began operation in 1811.
1826Government
The Saco Manufacturing Company established a cotton mill in 1826, and a canal was dug through rock to provide water power.
1827Architecture
In 1827, the community produced 21,000,000 feet (6,400,000 m) of sawn lumber, some of which was used for shipbuilding.
1830Economy
The mill burned in 1830, but was replaced in 1831 by the York Manufacturing Company.
1842Infrastructure
With the arrival of the Portland, Saco and Portsmouth Railroad in 1842, Factory Island developed into a major textile manufacturing center, with extensive brick mills dominating...
1844Government
In 1844, Laurel Hill Cemetery was established on 25-acre (10 ha) of land.
1867Government
It would be incorporated as a city in 1867.
1958Economy
But the New England textile industry faded in the 20th century, and the York Manufacturing Company would close in 1958.
1960Government
== Environmental contamination ==
Since 1960, the City of Saco has owned and operated the Saco Municipal Landfill .
1990History
In February 1990 the site was placed on the National Priorities List.
1992History
From 1992 to 1994, EPA studied the groundwater contamination.
1996Culture
in September 1996, EPA started capping the landfill.
2000History
=== 2000 census ===
As of the census of 2000, there were 16,822 people, 6,801 households, and 4,590 families residing in the city.
2007Economy
In early 2007 a small wind turbine was erected near the water treatment plant at the foot of Front street.
2009Education
J Parquette School (K-12)
Saco Island School (9–12)
=== Previous schools ===
Notre Dame de Lourdes School (K–8) – Closed in 2009 due to budget constraints and lack of students.
2010History
== Demographics ==
=== 2010 census ===
As of the census of 2010, there were 18,482 people, 7,623 households, and 4,925 families residing in the city.
2023Government
On November 7, 2023, Saco Elected former city councilor Jodi MacPhail as its first female Mayor.
2025Architecture
Originally closed in early June 2025, but reopened in early July.