The text below is taken from: "Update of the Scarborough Comprehensive Plan 1994" by Comprehensive Plan Review Committee; Scarborough, Maine; 1994; Chapter 1. History of Scarborough

Eighteenth Century (1700s): Old Dunstan area was a noted place for well kept and well stocked taverns as it was the stopping place for four lines of daily stage coaches between Portland and Boston. In 1787, when stage coaches began operation between Portland and Portsmouth, it is said that every mile of the Post Road had a granite marker and a tavern. One of these markers may be seen near the K-Mart [Maine Medical Center] parking lot where a bronze plaque shows that in 1761, Postmaster General Benjamin Franklin ordered a stone marker placed on the King's Highway in Scarborough, denoting the 120-mile distance from Boston.

What is now the part of U.S. Route #1 by Dunstan and the marshes was known as the Cumberland Turnpike and was the first turnpike in the state. It was constructed just prior to 1800 by a group of influential Scarborough citizens headed by Dr. Robert Southgate. The Toll House was located on his property next to his brick home which remains today. The turnpike superseded the Old State Road which led from Dunstan and over the western side of Scottow's Hill. Horses had to be changed at the top of Scottow Hill because fresh horses harnessed at the foot of the hill would have tired before they even started on the full day's journey to Portland.