The modern history of Ellsworth began around 1763 with the arrival of English settlers. Benjamin Milliken and Benjamin Joy, two men from New Hampshire and southern Maine, intended to use the town's abundance of timber to build sawmills and dams. In addition to a thriving lumber industry, the town was also home to several farms and other agricultural enterprises. Today, Ellsworth is one of Maine's largest cities.
The median age for the city was 41.9 years. Twenty-five percent of the population was under the age of 18, and 7.1% of households were headed by a female without a male. Forty-five percent of households were headed by married couples. The rest of the population was comprised of individuals. Only 11.8% of households were headed by a person who was 65 years old or older. The gender makeup of Ellsworth City, ME was 47.5% male and 52.5% female.
The City's Municipal Board and Planning Commission have identified numerous land use and transportation issues within the municipal boundary. This includes the problem of spot zoning, which has stretched the City's infrastructure. The City's Master Street Plan also must coordinate with the Accident Potential Zones of the Ellsworth Air Force Base. A new airport will also affect the City's zoning regulations, so local municipalities must exercise caution.
While the city is an excellent example of a small-town community, it is not without its problems. Its street network has been notoriously confusing and difficult to navigate. Its development is changing all the time, making it difficult to find your way around the city. There is also no efficient multi-modal transportation system and very little in the way of sidewalks. The city is also home to the South Dakota Air and Space Museum.