Building the Orr’s and Bailey Islands bridge was a masterful feat of engineering

Ninety-nine years ago, “after nearly a half century of controversy,” work finally began on June 6, 1926, to construct one of the most unique landmarks in Maine history, one which stands today as a true Midcoast legend.

Much “litigation … between the pro and anti factions of Harpswell township” took center stage as locals argued over building a bridge “connecting Orr’s Island with Bailey and thus the mainland,” one which would also foster tourism based on a new, scenic motorcar route.

The fight over the bridge divided locals and stirred threats of secession, but in the end, the bridge “was a public necessity and the town of Harpswell and the state citizens voted for it.”

It would be a unique design, one which would not employ use of a drawbridge, as “small excursion steamers and steam lo