Standish is a town in Cumberland County, settled in 1750 and incorporated on November 30, 1785 from Pearsontown Plantation. Before that, it was occupied by the Sokokis Tribe of the Abenaki Indians.
The original Plantation was named for Moses Pearson, who had commanded a company in the first siege of Louisburg and its capture, during the King George's War, and was granted land upon which Pearsontown Plantation was settled. Upon its incorporation as a town, the community was named in honor of Captain Miles Standish, the military leader of the Plymouth Colony.
Standish has a very long shoreline on Sebago Lake in its southwest corner, including its Lower Bay. The Saco River defines its western boundary. Both a recreational area and suburb of Portland, the town is served by Maine Routes 11, 25, 25A, 35, 35A, 114 and 237.