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The first settlers in Gorham often worked and played games with the Indians. But in 1744, the French and English had a war and the Indians decided to go with the French side. During the war, Indians were paid for bringing captured English settlers to the French in Canada.

The worst lndian attacks in the area took place on April 19, 1746. They attacked the Bryants, Cloutmans, Reeds, and McLellans. Mrs. Bryant was captured and taken to Canada. Mr. Bryant was killed. Their son ran into the woods and escaped.

For seven years, 97 families lived in the fort for protection from Indian attacks. They farmed during the day time. Some settlers were attacked close to the fort.

During the French and lndian War, the Blenham Grist Mill was burned by the lndians. The settlers rebuilt it.

The settlers were paid for cutting down trees that were over 100 feet tall and three feet wide. They were used by the King's Navy to make masts for the ships. Hugh McLeilan and his son William chopped down one of the biggest.

Gorham officially became a town on October 30, 1764.