[3] Alfred is the seat of York County,[4] and home to part of the Massabesic Experimental Forest.

Abenaki Native Americans called the area Massabesic, meaning "large pond," or "the place of much water."

It was in the western portion of a large tract of land purchased from Indian chiefs Fluellin, Hombinowitt and Meeksombe (also known as Captain Sunday), between 1661 and 1664 by Major William Phillips, an owner of mills in Saco (which then included Biddeford).

According to historian Jim Brunelle, editor of the Maine Almanac, the price was "two large blankets, two gallons of rum, two pounds of powder, four pounds of musket balls, 20 strings of beads and several other articles.

"[5] Simeon Coffin of Newbury, Massachusetts, arrived in 1764 and lived for a time in a wigwam, although the first permanent settlement took place in 1770.

The courthouse was built in 1806, the year Alfred became the shire town of York County.

A severe drought in Maine tindered the Great Fires of 1947, burning 4,500 acres (18 km2) of woodland and two residences in the town.

"They were," as historian George J. Varney writes, "at this time fanatical in religion and intemperate in their indulgences.

The biggest trial in the state at that time was held in the Alfred Court House.

[7] Having little defense, Wagner was quickly found guilty and sentenced to be hanged on the gallows of the Maine State Prison at Thomaston.

While awaiting transfer, he broke out of the Alfred jail and made his escape, eventually being caught in Farmington, New Hampshire.

The highest point in town is on Fort Ridge, at an elevation of 1,020 feet (310 m), at the Shapleigh line.

Sixth, seventh and eighth grade students attend Massabesic Middle School in Waterboro.

Elementary aged students may also attend the private Unlimited Vision Montessori School.

The jail houses inmates serving terms less than nine months and those awaiting trial for crimes committed in York County.