At the dawn of the twentieth century, York entered a period of rapid transformation driven largely by the rise of tourism. Its scenic beaches, historic character, and reputation as a peaceful coastal retreat attracted visitors from major cities including New York, Philadelphia, and Chicago. As seasonal guests became long-term residents, York evolved into a community shaped by both long-established local families and newcomers—a change that at times brought tension, but ultimately helped strengthen and diversify the town.

Throughout the century, many York residents answered the call to military service, while families continued to flock to the area’s grand hotels or build summer homes along the shoreline. Growing environmental awareness also took hold, inspiring efforts to preserve natural landscapes and protect York’s rural character.

Advancements in transportation further reshaped town life. Automobiles gradually replaced trains and trolleys, and the construction of the interstate system opened York to unprecedented levels of mobility and access.

By the 1970s, the long-standing York Harbor and York Beach corporations had become inactive. In the early 1990s, the town adopted a formal charter government—a defining civic milestone that established the modern structure of York’s municipal leadership and marked a significant turning point in its twentieth-century development.