SEBASCODEGAN or GREAT ISLAND
This large island lies between Orr's Island and the mainland. You will
cross this island on your way to Orr's Island and Bailey's Island. It
seems to be part of the mainland but actually is not. The name
"Sebascodegan" in Indian language means "marshy place and a place for
gun-firing." Thus, the interpretation would mean "a good place for
hunting water fowl."
To reach Sebascodegan proceed the same way as though you were going to
Orr's Island. That is, go to Brunswick and follow the signs to Orr's and
Bailey's. On the way down the neck you will notice several historic old
churches with the old burying ground nearby. Many of the old gravestones
have some really interesting epitaphs. It is worth a short stop just to
read a few of these.
The first settlers to reach Sebascodegan arrived in the year 1639. The
first bridge to the mainland was built in 1839, so you see, you also
have some real old history connected with this area of the bay.
Near the end of the Revolutionary War several British privateers were
preying on the shipping lanes in and around Casco Bay. One of the most
notorious of these sea-going bandits was a "Captain Linnacum." He was of
Scotch descent and commanded a schooner called the "Picaroon." This
pirate captured many luckless coasting boats, and it is said, he buried
several caches of loot in and around Sebascodegan Island. Nobody seems
to know just where the treasures might be hidden. The many caves and
inlets should command your attention. I also would not forget to check
the inland areas. In the old days this island was criss-crossed with
Indian trails, so you see, anything might be unearthed along some of
these old trails. Of course, the trails have long since disappeared, but
I would use my detector in general directions leading from the coves to
the forests. I would give special attention to river banks and brooks.
There has been many a rich find located in the vicinity of a river or
stream.
The Brunswick Chamber of Commerce used to put out a regional map of the
Brunswick area. This map was a very good job, and it showed many of the
islands in the Brunswick area. You might stop and check at the Chamber
of Commerce. They may still be able to help you.
Cundy's Harbor is located on the very end of this island and it would be
a likely spot for any pirate to anchor to come ashore. I would not
forget to go over this area very carefully with my detector. You could
ask some of the natives where the schooners used to land in the old
days. I am sure they would be pleased to help you with some information
on the subject.
[Illustration: Sailing ship]