Ellsworth, city, seat (1789) of Hancock county, southern Maine, U.S. It lies at the falls of the Union River just south of Graham Lake, 26 miles (42 km) southeast of Bangor. It was settled in 1763, and its early development as a centre of lumber operations and shipbuilding was spurred by cheap waterpower. The city’s light industries produce wood products, boats, and woolen goods. Nearby are Lamoine State Park and the Stanwood Homestead Museum and Birdsacre Sanctuary. Inc. town, 1800; city, 1869. Pop. (2000) 6,456; (2010) 7,741.