Biddeford
a city in York co., Me.; on the Saco river, and the Boston and Ocean. It derives its name from Bidea Maine railroad; 15 miles S. W. of Portland, and 6 miles from the Atlantic ford, England; was settled under patent in 1630, although a small settlement was made in the vicinity near the mouth of the river in 1616, and was given a city charter in 1855. The city has an excellent water-power promoted by a fall of 42 feet in the river here; manufactures of cotton goods, large lumber interests, and extensive ledges of granite which provide an important and growing industry. There are two National banks, more than a dozen churches, daily, weekly, and monthly periodicals, public library, trolley line to Old Orchard Beach. Pop. (1910) 17,079; (1920) 18,008. ۱ BIDDLE BIEDA