A History of Industry


As you move down the walkway, stop and imagine what this riverfront area looked like before it was built into the industrial hub it became.


A view of the Cutts house, seen from just below Cataract Falls.


One of Saco's major industrial figures who shaped the city was Colonel Thomas Cutts (1736-1821).


Cutts arrived in Saco in 1758, and at just 22 years old, he quickly found his fortune through various enterprises along the waterfront.


Cutts also served with the Massachusetts Militia during the American Revolution.



Cutts' early success in Saco was harnessing the power of Cataract Falls on the Saco River to operate a sawmill, and eventually, a nail factory that churned out 3,000 nails a day — sparking a shipbuilding economy on the river.



The mill buildings continue to be a defining feature of both Biddeford and Saco, serving as a reminder of the industrial spirit that gave rise to these cities.


An aerial view of the Saco and Biddeford Mills on each side of the river.


Continue to the lookout platform along the walkway (2b) for the next section.