HISTORY
The Gift of the Marginal Way
The history of the Marginal Way is one of generosity, community spirit, and enduring preservation. In 1925, Josiah Chase, Jr. made a landmark donation by conveying a mile-long strip of oceanfront property to the Town of Ogunquit —a gift that has enriched the lives of countless individuals who have walked this cherished path over the past century. Originally starting as a modest parcel at a corner of Oarweed Cove, this donation laid the foundation for what would evolve into a scenic coastal footpath.
Over time, the path was paved and extended into a picturesque trail that meanders along the rugged edge of Maine’s cliffs. Aptly named for its position as the margin between land and sea, Marginal Way is now a 1.25-mile paved cliff walk along the Maine coast. The trail is beautifully flanked by native flora—including bayberry, honeysuckle, bittersweet, and gnarled shrubs of fragrant pink and white sea roses—which frame expansive views of the Atlantic Ocean.
Founding of the Marginal Way Preservation Fund
Dedicated community members and philanthropists have worked tirelessly to protect, maintain and enhance the Marginal Way, ensuring that this cherished coastal gem remains a lasting legacy for the people of Ogunquit and the hundreds of thousands of visitors each year.
In 2010, local business leaders Donato Tramuto, Jackie Bevins, Mitch Ramsey, and Phil Cavaretta founded the Marginal Way Preservation Fund after a particularly vicious storm severely damaged large sections of the path. Their vision was to establish a dedicated organization, anchored by an endowment fund devoted solely to the Marginal Way, ensuring this treasured pathway would always have the financial resources to recover from major storms and other natural disasters. The Marginal Way Preservation Fund was granted 501(c)(3) status as a nonprofit organization in 2011.
The Enduring Legacy of the Marginal Way
Over the past 100 years, the Marginal Way has survived significant storm damage, development booms, and municipal budget challenges. However, the path endures today thanks to the steadfast dedication of those who cherish this iconic coastal path. Its preservation is made possible by a collaborative partnership among the Marginal Way Preservation Fund (a non‑profit organization), the Marginal Way Committee, the Town of Ogunquit, and a vibrant community of supporters—all playing a vital role in safeguarding this cherished landmark for future generations.
Marginal Way on the National Register of Historic Places
On March 23, 2022, Ogunquit’s Marginal Way was officially listed on the National Register of Historic Places by the U.S. Department of the Interior—an honor bestowed on only a few trails nationwide. This remarkable achievement is the result of the tireless efforts of the Town of Ogunquit’s Marginal Way Committee, led by Chair Joan Griswold and Vice-Chair Elaine Cooper. In their determination letter, the Maine Commission noted that the property was associated with events that significantly contributed to the broad patterns of our history, stating:
“The Marginal Way is locally significant for its association with entertainment/recreation and conservation. The property’s donation to the Town for public use is a significant example of the preservation of sections of the Maine coast for public use during a period of rapid coastal development.”
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