text:
Detroit, Maine

Detroit is a town in Somerset County, Maine, United States. The population was 885 at the 2020 census.

Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 20.42 sqmi, of which 20.25 sqmi is land and 0.17 sqmi is water.

2010 census
As of the census of 2010, there were 852 people, 337 households, and 237 families living in the town. The population density was 42.1 PD/sqmi. There were 382 housing units at an average density of 18.9 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the town was 98.6% White, 0.1% African American, 0.7% Native American, and 0.6% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.2% of the population.

There were 337 households, of which 34.7% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 52.2% were married couples living together, 12.8% had a female householder with no husband present, 5.3% had a male householder with no wife present, and 29.7% were non-families. 23.1% of all households were made up of individuals, and 8.9% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.53 and the average family size was 2.89.

The median age in the town was 41.5 years. 23.9% of residents were under the age of 18; 6.4% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 25.5% were from 25 to 44; 31.4% were from 45 to 64; and 12.8% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the town was 50.5% male and 49.5% female.

2000 census
As of the census of 2000, there were 816 people, 328 households, and 226 families living in the town. The population density was 40.3 PD/sqmi. There were 362 housing units at an average density of 17.9 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the town was 98.77% White, 0.25% African American, 0.12% Native American, and 0.86% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.74% of the population.

There were 328 households, out of which 31.7% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 57.6% were married couples living together, 6.7% had a female householder with no husband present, and 30.8% were non-families. 23.5% of all households were made up of individuals, and 8.5% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.49 and the average family size was 2.91.

In the town, the population was spread out, with 24.8% under the age of 18, 7.1% from 18 to 24, 31.0% from 25 to 44, 26.2% from 45 to 64, and 10.9% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 37 years. For every 100 females, there were 100.5 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 101.3 males.

The median income for a household in the town was $29,938, and the median income for a family was $34,167. Males had a median income of $27,303 versus $20,119 for females. The per capita income for the town was $13,937. About 9.4% of families and 14.3% of the population were below the poverty line, including 16.0% of those under age 18 and 9.9% of those age 65 or over.

title: Detroit, Maine


text:
Embden, Maine

Embden is a town in Somerset County, Maine, United States. The population was 902 at the 2020 census.

Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 43.49 sqmi, of which 39.58 sqmi is land and 3.91 sqmi is water. Included in the town is Embden Pond.

Embden Pond
Embden Pond is a good habitat for smallmouth bass, lake trout, and land-locked Atlantic salmon. The pond shoreline is heavily developed with residences and seasonal camps. There is a public boat ramp at the south end of the pond near where Mill Stream overflows to the Carrabassett River, 4 mi south of the pond and 1 mi upstream of the Carrabassett's confluence with the Kennebec River.

2010 census
As of the census of 2010, there were 939 people, 407 households, and 286 families living in the town. The population density was 23.7 PD/sqmi. There were 950 housing units at an average density of 24.0 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the town was 97.6% White, 0.4% African American, 0.4% Native American, 0.2% Asian, 0.6% from other races, and 0.7% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.2% of the population.

There were 407 households, of which 23.6% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 60.9% were married couples living together, 5.2% had a female householder with no husband present, 4.2% had a male householder with no wife present, and 29.7% were non-families. 24.8% of all households were made up of individuals, and 11.3% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.28 and the average family size was 2.66.

The median age in the town was 49.7 years. 17.9% of residents were under the age of 18; 5% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 20.1% were from 25 to 44; 36.6% were from 45 to 64; and 20.4% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the town was 52.3% male and 47.7% female.

2000 census
As of the census of 2000, there were 881 people, 365 households, and 262 families living in the town. The population density was 22.0 /sqmi. There were 893 housing units at an average density of 22.3 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the town was 98.86% White, 0.23% Native American, and 0.91% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.11% of the population.

There were 364 households, out of which 28.2% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 61.6% were married couples living together, 6.3% had a female householder with no husband present, and 28.2% were non-families. 22.2% of all households were made up of individuals, and 9.3% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.38 and the average family size was 2.74.

In the town, the population was spread out, with 21.7% under the age of 18, 5.9% from 18 to 24, 28.7% from 25 to 44, 28.4% from 45 to 64, and 15.3% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 42 years. For every 100 females, there were 103.5 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 101.8 males.

The median income for a household in the town was $31,397, and the median income for a family was $35,833. Males had a median income of $28,281 versus $20,781 for females. The per capita income for the town was $14,588. About 10.2% of families and 15.4% of the population were below the poverty line, including 15.7% of those under age 18 and 13.8% of those age 65 or over.

Notable person

 * John B. Pierce, founder of the company that became American Standard

license: Creative Commons - Attribution Share-Alike - https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/

title: Embden, Maine


text:
Harmony, Maine

Harmony is a town in Somerset County, Maine, United States. The population was 825 at the 2020 census.

Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 40.32 sqmi, of which 38.67 sqmi is land and 1.65 sqmi is water.

Climate
This climatic region is typified by large seasonal temperature differences, with warm to hot (and often humid) summers and cold (sometimes severely cold) winters. According to the Köppen Climate Classification system, Harmony has a humid continental climate, abbreviated "Dfb" on climate maps. Harmony has very wide diurnal temperature ranges in winter, with a 29 F-change difference between average highs and lows in February.

2010 census
As of the census of 2010, there were 939 people, 399 households, and 273 families living in the town. The population density was 24.3 PD/sqmi. There were 608 housing units at an average density of 15.7 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the town was 96.5% White, 0.1% African American, 0.4% Native American, 0.7% Asian, 0.3% from other races, and 1.9% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.5% of the population.

There were 399 households, of which 24.3% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 54.6% were married couples living together, 7.8% had a female householder with no husband present, 6.0% had a male householder with no wife present, and 31.6% were non-families. 25.3% of all households were made up of individuals, and 13.1% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.35 and the average family size was 2.79.

The median age in the town was 49.4 years. 19.1% of residents were under the age of 18; 3.8% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 19.9% were from 25 to 44; 36.2% were from 45 to 64; and 20.9% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the town was 50.1% male and 49.9% female.

2000 census
As of the census of 2000, there were 954 people, 388 households, and 301 families living in the town. The population density was 24.6 PD/sqmi. There were 522 housing units at an average density of 13.5 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the town was 97.59% White, 0.94% Native American, 0.42% Asian, 0.21% from other races, and 0.84% from two or more races.

There were 388 households, out of which 25.8% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 60.3% were married couples living together, 10.3% had a female householder with no husband present, and 22.4% were non-families. 17.5% of all households were made up of individuals, and 8.5% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.45 and the average family size was 2.70.

In the town, the population was spread out, with 20.5% under the age of 18, 6.2% from 18 to 24, 25.8% from 25 to 44, 29.1% from 45 to 64, and 18.3% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 44 years. For every 100 females, there were 96.7 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 94.9 males.

The median income for a household in the town was $23,843, and the median income for a family was $26,131. Males had a median income of $23,036 versus $18,056 for females. The per capita income for the town was $12,360. About 16.1% of families and 20.3% of the population were below the poverty line, including 25.1% of those under age 18 and 14.4% of those age 65 or over.

Popular culture
Location filming for the 1990 movie Graveyard Shift, based on the short story by Stephen King, took place in Harmony.

Notable people

 * Helen Marr Hurd, educator, poet
 * Freeman Knowles, U. S. congressman from South Dakota
 * Clyde Smith, U. S. congressman and husband of Margaret Chase Smith
 * Bartlett Tripp, Chief Justice of the Dakota Territory Supreme Court 1885–1889, lawyer, and diplomat

title: Harmony, Maine


text:
Highland Plantation, Maine

Highland Plantation is a plantation in Somerset County, Maine, United States. The population was 52 at the 2020 census.

Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the plantation has a total area of 42.0 sqmi, of which 42.0 sqmi is land and 0.04 sqmi (0.05%) is water.

Briggs Hill is a mountain summit in the far southeastern corner of Highland Plantation and its base apparently runs across the plantation border into Lexington Township. The hill is located at latitude - longitude coordinates N 45.06 and W 70.02. Briggs Hill climbs to 1,952 ft above sea level. Historical records would suggest Briggs Hill derived its name from an early settler, Adin Briggs. He, wife Susanna Cottle, and children resided on the hill in the early 1840s, finally leaving the stony farm in 1846 to travel westward (locating permanently in Willow Creek Township, Lee County, Illinois).

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 52 people, 24 households, and 16 families residing in the plantation. The population density was 1.2 PD/sqmi. There were 56 housing units at an average density of 1.3 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the plantation was 100.00% White.

There were 24 households, out of which 16.7% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 62.5% were married couples living together, and 33.3% were non-families. 33.3% of all households were made up of individuals, and 29.2% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.17 and the average family size was 2.69.

In the plantation the population was spread out, with 17.3% under the age of 18, 13.5% from 25 to 44, 36.5% from 45 to 64, and 32.7% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 53 years. For every 100 females, there were 73.3 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 72.0 males.

The median income for a household in the plantation was $27,917, and the median income for a family was $27,917. Males had a median income of $14,167 versus $21,250 for females. The per capita income for the plantation was $10,038. There were 23.5% of families and 34.8% of the population living below the poverty line, including 56.5% of under eighteens and 25.0% of those over 64.

title: Highland Plantation, Maine


text:
Jackman, Maine

Jackman is a town in Somerset County, Maine, United States. The population was 783 at the 2020 census.

Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 42.42 sqmi, of which 41.26 sqmi is land and 1.16 sqmi is water.

History
Jackman was named after Captain James Jackman, who was hired by the State of Maine in the 1830s to build the road connecting the United States with Canada.

On April 8, 2024, Jackman was on the path of totality for a total eclipse of the sun. The eclipse was to sweep across most of the United States, but as the date approached, cloudy skies were forecast for most of that path. However, Jackman was expected to have clear skies that day, so the town of less than a thousand residents was inundated by more than 10,000 visitors from across the country. Officials said it was probably the largest crowd ever seen in Jackman.

Climate
This climatic region is typified by large seasonal temperature differences, with only warm (but not hot) summers and cold (sometimes severely cold) winters. According to the Köppen Climate Classification system, Jackman has a humid continental or "hemiboreal" climate (due its lack of true summer heat), abbreviated "Dfb" (or sometimes "Dbf") on climate maps, as does all of Maine.

2010 census
As of the census of 2010, there were 862 people, 383 households, and 228 families living in the town. The population density was 20.9 PD/sqmi. There were 726 housing units at an average density of 17.6 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the town was 96.4% White, 0.1% African American, 1.0% Native American, 0.6% Asian, 0.1% from other races, and 1.7% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.7% of the population.

There were 383 households, of which 23.0% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 51.2% were married couples living together, 6.3% had a female householder with no husband present, 2.1% had a male householder with no wife present, and 40.5% were non-families. 32.1% of all households were made up of individuals, and 12% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.19 and the average family size was 2.78.

The median age in the town was 44.8 years. 19.5% of residents were under the age of 18; 5.8% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 25.1% were from 25 to 44; 32.1% were from 45 to 64; and 17.5% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the town was 49.3% male and 50.7% female.

2000 census
As of the census of 2000, there were 718 people, 310 households, and 190 families living in the town. The population density was 17.5 PD/sqmi. There were 585 housing units at an average density of 14.3 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the town was 98.75% White, 0.14% African American, 0.56% Native American, 0.56% from other races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.81% of the population.

There were 310 households, out of which 33.5% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 46.8% were married couples living together, 9.4% had a female householder with no husband present, and 38.4% were non-families. 31.9% of all households were made up of individuals, and 15.5% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.25 and the average family size was 2.84.

In the town, the population was spread out, with 25.8% under the age of 18, 5.3% from 18 to 24, 29.2% from 25 to 44, 25.1% from 45 to 64, and 14.6% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 40 years. For every 100 females, there were 96.2 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 92.4 males.

The median income for a household in the town was $29,615, and the median income for a family was $33,182. Males had a median income of $29,135 versus $21,310 for females. The per capita income for the town was $15,763. About 3.7% of families and 9.5% of the population were below the poverty line, including 16.0% of those under age 18 and 13.2% of those age 65 or over.

Education
Jackman is part of Forest Hills Consolidated School, which teaches grades kindergarten to grade 12.

Jackman belongs to Maine Area School District 12.

Railroad history
Jackman became connected to the international North American rail network upon completion the International of Maine Division of the transcontinental Canadian Pacific Railway in 1889. Jackman Lumber Company built the Bald Mountain Railroad in 1915 north from Jackman up Heald Stream and across the South Branch Penobscot River into Moose River Plantation. This logging railroad brought logs to the Jackman sawmill until 1926. Passenger rail service through Jackman ended in 1981, resumed in 1985, and ended once more in 1994.

title: Jackman, Maine


text:
Mercer, Maine

Mercer is a town in Somerset County, Maine, United States. The town was named after the Revolutionary War hero Hugh Mercer. The population was 709 at the 2020 census.

Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 27.36 sqmi, of which 26.71 sqmi is land and 0.65 sqmi is water.

2010 census
As of the census of 2010, there were 664 people, 287 households, and 199 families living in the town. The population density was 24.9 PD/sqmi. There were 399 housing units at an average density of 14.9 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the town was 98.3% White, 0.2% African American, 0.6% Native American, 0.5% Asian, and 0.5% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.3% of the population.

There were 287 households, of which 22.3% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 57.1% were married couples living together, 8.7% had a female householder with no husband present, 3.5% had a male householder with no wife present, and 30.7% were non-families. 24.0% of all households were made up of individuals, and 8.3% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.31 and the average family size was 2.69.

The median age in the town was 48.4 years. 18.1% of residents were under the age of 18; 6.1% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 19.8% were from 25 to 44; 40.1% were from 45 to 64; and 16.1% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the town was 48.9% male and 51.1% female.

2000 census
As of the census of 2000, there were 647 people, 256 households, and 178 families living in the town. The population density was 24.2 people per square mile (9.4/km$2$). There were 366 housing units at an average density of 13.7 per square mile (5.3/km$2$). The racial makeup of the town was 97.06% White, 0.15% African American, 0.31% Native American, 1.39% Asian, 0.62% from other races, and 0.46% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.62% of the population.

There were 256 households, out of which 31.6% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 59.4% were married couples living together, 5.9% had a female householder with no husband present, and 30.1% were non-families. 19.9% of all households were made up of individuals, and 9.0% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.53 and the average family size was 2.94.

In the town, the population was spread out, with 24.3% under the age of 18, 6.6% from 18 to 24, 26.0% from 25 to 44, 30.8% from 45 to 64, and 12.4% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 42 years. For every 100 females, there were 91.4 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 97.6 males.

The median income for a household in the town was $37,500, and the median income for a family was $41,250. Males had a median income of $34,028 versus $21,295 for females. The per capita income for the town was $18,068. About 7.2% of families and 12.6% of the population were below the poverty line, including 12.1% of those under age 18 and 15.1% of those age 65 or over.

Notable person

 * Frank Munsey, newspaper and magazine publisher, author

title: Mercer, Maine


text:
Moose River, Maine

Moose River is a town in Somerset County, Maine, United States. The population was 188 at the 2020 census. It was first settled by Capt. Samuel Holden who in 1820 opened an inn as a stop for cattle drivers en route from Boston to Quebec.

Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 40.55 sqmi, of which 40.07 sqmi is land and 0.48 sqmi is water.

2010 census
As of the census of 2010, there were 218 people, 95 households, and 62 families living in the town. The population density was 5.4 PD/sqmi. There were 157 housing units at an average density of 3.9 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the town was 96.8% White, 1.4% Native American, 0.5% Asian, and 1.4% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 3.7% of the population.

There were 95 households, of which 27.4% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 58.9% were married couples living together, 5.3% had a female householder with no husband present, 1.1% had a male householder with no wife present, and 34.7% were non-families. 25.3% of all households were made up of individuals, and 10.5% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.29 and the average family size was 2.81.

The median age in the town was 45.6 years. 19.7% of residents were under the age of 18; 5% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 23.8% were from 25 to 44; 37.6% were from 45 to 64; and 13.8% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the town was 49.5% male and 50.5% female.

2000 census
As of the census of 2000, there were 219 people, 81 households, and 54 families living in the town. The population density was 5.4 people per square mile (2.1/km$2$). There were 122 housing units at an average density of 3.0 per square mile (1.2/km$2$). The racial makeup of the town was 96.35% White, 0.46% African American, and 3.20% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 3.20% of the population.

There were 81 households, out of which 34.6% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 59.3% were married couples living together, 3.7% had a female householder with no husband present, and 33.3% were non-families. 23.5% of all households were made up of individuals, and 6.2% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.46 and the average family size was 3.02.

In the town, the population was spread out, with 24.7% under the age of 18, 4.6% from 18 to 24, 26.5% from 25 to 44, 26.0% from 45 to 64, and 18.3% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 42 years. For every 100 females, there were 110.6 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 108.9 males.

The median income for a household in the town was $31,042, and the median income for a family was $43,214. Males had a median income of $27,159 versus $20,833 for females. The per capita income for the town was $13,644. About 7.1% of families and 7.3% of the population were below the poverty line, including none of those under the age of eighteen and 27.6% of those 65 or over.

title: Moose River, Maine


text:
Moscow, Maine

Moscow is a town in Somerset County, Maine, United States. The population was 475 at the 2020 census.

History
Moscow Air Force Station, a radar installation comprising numerous steel antenna towers in three linear arrays on 1,494 acres about five miles northeast of the town center, was erected in the late 1980s and decommissioned in 2002. The site was put up for online auction in September 2011 through the U.S. General Services Administration. In July 2010 a wind farm was proposed as a possible use for the land, and the town began setting zoning regulations for wind turbine placement in December 2010. By October 2011, the radar antenna arrays had been dismantled and removed from the deactivated station, but microwave towers and various buildings remained. As of November 2011, the land was still up for auction with two bidders active. Because the site has been federally owned and tax-exempt, the town has been denied property tax revenue for decades.

Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 47.96 sqmi, of which 45.92 sqmi is land and 2.04 sqmi is water.

2010 census
As of the census of 2010, there were 512 people, 228 households, and 147 families living in the town. The population density was 11.1 PD/sqmi. There were 362 housing units at an average density of 7.9 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the town was 97.9% White, 0.6% Native American, 0.4% Asian, and 1.2% from two or more races.

There were 228 households, of which 22.8% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 50.4% were married couples living together, 7.9% had a female householder with no husband present, 6.1% had a male householder with no wife present, and 35.5% were non-families. 26.8% of all households were made up of individuals, and 8.3% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.25 and the average family size was 2.71.

The median age in the town was 46.9 years. 16.6% of residents were under the age of 18; 7.5% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 21.7% were from 25 to 44; 38.2% were from 45 to 64; and 16% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the town was 53.7% male and 46.3% female.

2000 census
As of the census of 2000, there were 577 people, 222 households, and 156 families living in the town. The population density was 12.6 people per square mile (4.9/km$2$). There were 353 housing units at an average density of 7.7 per square mile (3.0/km$2$). The racial makeup of the town was 98.09% White, 0.69% Native American, and 1.21% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.17% of the population.

There were 222 households, out of which 37.4% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 53.2% were married couples living together, 11.3% had a female householder with no husband present, and 29.3% were non-families. 23.4% of all households were made up of individuals, and 9.9% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.60 and the average family size was 3.08.

In the town, the population was spread out, with 28.6% under the age of 18, 7.3% from 18 to 24, 31.4% from 25 to 44, 22.5% from 45 to 64, and 10.2% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 35 years. For every 100 females, there were 114.5 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 116.8 males.

The median income for a household in the town was $26,467, and the median income for a family was $32,500. Males had a median income of $28,750 versus $13,393 for females. The per capita income for the town was $13,099. About 13.9% of families and 12.4% of the population were below the poverty line, including 14.8% of those under age 18 and 32.1% of those age 65 or over.

title: Moscow, Maine


text:
New Portland, Maine

New Portland is a town in Somerset County, Maine, United States. It is perhaps best known for its Wire Bridge, a cable suspension bridge completed in 1866 that is the last remaining bridge of its type in Maine, and possibly the U.S. Much of North New Portland's Main Street burned to the ground in the fire of 1919, including a hotel. The annual town fair draws large crowds from around, and is held in September. The population was 765 at the 2020 census. The town was given to the residents of Falmouth (now Portland) by the Massachusetts legislature to repay them for their loss when the British fleet burned Falmouth in 1775.

Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 44.23 sqmi, of which 43.88 sqmi is land and 0.35 sqmi is water. The town is situated on Route 27, adjacent to Kingfield and a short drive to the popular Sugarloaf ski resort. The Carrabassett River flows through the West New Portland village and East New Portland village, whereas the Gilman Stream flows through the North New Portland village. The Carrabassett River is rocky and in places swift, whereas Gilman Stream is a slower river, amenable to kayaking and canoeing.

2010 census
As of the census of 2010, there were 718 people, 346 households, and 202 families living in the town. The population density was 16.4 PD/sqmi. There were 605 housing units at an average density of 13.8 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the town was 98.2% White, 0.1% African American, 0.6% Native American, 0.1% Asian, and 1.0% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.3% of the population.

There were 346 households, of which 20.2% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 49.1% were married couples living together, 4.6% had a female householder with no husband present, 4.6% had a male householder with no wife present, and 41.6% were non-families. 31.8% of all households were made up of individuals, and 11.8% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.08 and the average family size was 2.58.

The median age in the town was 48.9 years. 16.6% of residents were under the age of 18; 4.7% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 22.3% were from 25 to 44; 38.2% were from 45 to 64; and 18.1% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the town was 52.2% male and 47.8% female.

2000 census
As of the census of 2000, there were 785 people, 329 households, and 227 families living in the town. The population density was 18.1 people per square mile (7.0/km$2$). There were 564 housing units at an average density of 13.0 per square mile (5.0/km$2$). The racial makeup of the town was 98.34% White, 1.27% Native American, 0.13% from other races, and 0.25% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.38% of the population.

There were 329 households, out of which 29.5% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 58.4% were married couples living together, 7.0% had a female householder with no husband present, and 30.7% were non-families. 23.7% of all households were made up of individuals, and 10.0% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.39 and the average family size was 2.77.

In the town, the population was spread out, with 22.7% under the age of 18, 5.7% from 18 to 24, 26.8% from 25 to 44, 29.4% from 45 to 64, and 15.4% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 42 years. For every 100 females, there were 101.3 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 96.4 males.

The median income for a household in the town was $30,521, and the median income for a family was $35,284. Males had a median income of $26,354 versus $17,014 for females. The per capita income for the town was $14,596. About 8.3% of families and 11.6% of the population were below the poverty line, including 22.2% of those under age 18 and 2.3% of those age 65 or over.

Notable people

 * Joseph T. Copeland, Justice of the Michigan Supreme Court and general in the Union Army. Postmaster of New Portland from 1837
 * Peter Percival Elder, politician, businessman, and newspaperman. Born in New Portland in 1823
 * Geoffrey Shovelton, tenor opera singer and illustrator. Moved to New Portland in 2002
 * Abram P. Williams, teacher, businessman, and US senator from California. Born in New Portland in 1832; died in 1911
 * Orrin J. Williams (1844–1913), businessman, mayor of New Richmond, Wisconsin, Wisconsin State Assemblyman

title: New Portland, Maine


text:
Palmyra, Maine

Palmyra is a town in Somerset County, Maine, United States. The population was 1,924 at the 2020 census.

History
Palmyra was incorporated in 1807.

Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 41.44 sqmi, of which 40.16 sqmi is land and 1.28 sqmi is water.

2010 census
As of the census of 2010, there were 1,986 people, 809 households, and 552 families living in the town. The population density was 49.5 PD/sqmi. There were 943 housing units at an average density of 23.5 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the town was 97.7% White, 0.2% African American, 0.6% Native American, 0.2% Asian, and 1.3% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.2% of the population.

There were 809 households, of which 27.6% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 53.3% were married couples living together, 10.5% had a female householder with no husband present, 4.4% had a male householder with no wife present, and 31.8% were non-families. 23.4% of all households were made up of individuals, and 10.6% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.45 and the average family size was 2.87.

The median age in the town was 43.9 years. 21% of residents were under the age of 18; 6.8% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 24.1% were from 25 to 44; 30.5% were from 45 to 64; and 17.7% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the town was 49.2% male and 50.8% female.

2000 census
As of the census of 2000, there were 1,953 people, 768 households, and 543 families living in the town. The population density was 48.6 PD/sqmi. There were 851 housing units at an average density of 21.2 per square mile (8.2/km$2$). The racial makeup of the town was 98.52% White, 0.26% Native American, 0.36% Asian, 0.10% from other races, and 0.77% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.31% of the population.

There were 768 households, out of which 30.6% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 59.8% were married couples living together, 5.9% had a female householder with no husband present, and 29.2% were non-families. 23.3% of all households were made up of individuals, and 10.7% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.54 and the average family size was 2.98.

In the town, the population was spread out, with 25.4% under the age of 18, 6.9% from 18 to 24, 27.3% from 25 to 44, 25.7% from 45 to 64, and 14.7% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 39 years. For every 100 females, there were 97.5 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 93.0 males.

The median income for a household in the town was $31,287, and the median income for a family was $35,150. Males had a median income of $27,500 versus $19,402 for females. The per capita income for the town was $13,717. About 12.8% of families and 16.6% of the population were below the poverty line, including 21.8% of those under age 18 and 16.1% of those age 65 or over.

Notable people

 * Dean Cray, Member of the Maine House of Representatives
 * Joshua Tardy, Minority Leader, Maine House of Representatives
 * James Springer White, co-founder of the Seventh-day Adventist Church and Andrews University

title: Palmyra, Maine


text:
Pleasant Ridge Plantation, Maine

Pleasant Ridge Plantation is a plantation in Somerset County, Maine, United States. The population was 85 at the 2020 census.

Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the plantation has a total area of 24.1 sqmi, of which 22.0 sqmi is land and 2.0 sqmi (8.51%) is water.

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 83 people, 39 households, and 24 families residing in the plantation. The population density was 3.8 /mi2. There were 89 housing units at an average density of 4.0 /mi2. The racial makeup of the plantation was 97.59% White, and 2.41% from two or more races.

There were 39 households, out of which 20.5% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 61.5% were married couples living together, 2.6% had a female householder with no husband present, and 35.9% were non-families. 23.1% of all households were made up of individuals, and 10.3% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.13 and the average family size was 2.44.

In the plantation the population was spread out, with 14.5% under the age of 18, 3.6% from 18 to 24, 25.3% from 25 to 44, 37.3% from 45 to 64, and 19.3% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 52 years. For every 100 females, there were 88.6 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 97.2 males.

The median income for a household in the plantation was $19,464, and the median income for a family was $25,625. Males had a median income of $53,750 versus $19,375 for females. The per capita income for the plantation was $13,878. There were 13.0% of families and 18.4% of the population living below the poverty line, including 29.4% of under eighteens and 13.3% of those over 64.

title: Pleasant Ridge Plantation, Maine


text:
Ripley, Maine

Ripley is a town in Somerset County, Maine, United States. The community was named after Brigadier General Eleazer Wheelock Ripley of the War of 1812. The population was 484 at the 2020 census.

Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 25.01 sqmi, of which 24.61 sqmi is land and 0.40 sqmi is water.

2010 census
As of the census of 2010, there were 488 people, 217 households, and 139 families living in the town. The population density was 19.8 PD/sqmi. There were 316 housing units at an average density of 12.8 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the town was 99.6% White, 0.2% African American, and 0.2% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.2% of the population.

There were 217 households, of which 21.2% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 50.2% were married couples living together, 9.7% had a female householder with no husband present, 4.1% had a male householder with no wife present, and 35.9% were non-families. 25.8% of all households were made up of individuals, and 7.4% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.25 and the average family size was 2.65.

The median age in the town was 49.1 years. 18.4% of residents were under the age of 18; 4.3% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 22% were from 25 to 44; 38.9% were from 45 to 64; and 16.4% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the town was 51.0% male and 49.0% female.

2000 census
As of the census of 2000, there were 452 people, 182 households, and 141 families living in the town. The population density was 18.4 people per square mile (7.1/km$2$). There were 262 housing units at an average density of 10.7 per square mile (4.1/km$2$). The racial makeup of the town was 99.56% White, 0.22% Native American and 0.22% Asian.

There were 182 households, out of which 27.5% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 67.6% were married couples living together, 5.5% had a female householder with no husband present, and 22.0% were non-families. 16.5% of all households were made up of individuals, and 6.6% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.48 and the average family size was 2.71.

In the town, the population was spread out, with 21.5% under the age of 18, 6.0% from 18 to 24, 28.1% from 25 to 44, 32.3% from 45 to 64, and 12.2% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 42 years. For every 100 females, there were 93.2 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 96.1 males.

The median income for a household in the town was $35,250, and the median income for a family was $40,000. Males had a median income of $27,411 versus $22,917 for females. The per capita income for the town was $17,224. About 4.0% of families and 6.6% of the population were below the poverty line, including 1.5% of those under age 18 and 10.0% of those age 65 or over.

Notable person

 * Grenville C. Emery, founder of the Harvard-Westlake School in Los Angeles

title: Ripley, Maine


text:
Smithfield, Maine

Smithfield is a town in Somerset County, Maine, United States. The population was 925 at the 2020 census. The town was incorporated on February 29, 1840, making it the only town in Maine incorporated on Leap Day. The town was named after the Rev. Henry Smith, an early settler.

Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 24.76 sqmi, of which 19.90 sqmi is land and 4.86 sqmi is water.

2010 census
As of the census of 2010, there were 1,033 people, 451 households, and 314 families living in the town. The population density was 51.9 PD/sqmi. There were 727 housing units at an average density of 36.5 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the town was 97.6% White, 0.1% African American, 0.2% Native American, 0.5% Asian, 0.1% from other races, and 1.5% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.0% of the population.

There were 451 households, of which 23.9% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 57.0% were married couples living together, 6.7% had a female householder with no husband present, 6.0% had a male householder with no wife present, and 30.4% were non-families. 23.1% of all households were made up of individuals, and 7.7% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.29 and the average family size was 2.62.

The median age in the town was 49.2 years. 18% of residents were under the age of 18; 3.7% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 22% were from 25 to 44; 39.3% were from 45 to 64; and 16.9% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the town was 49.2% male and 50.8% female.

2000 census
As of the census of 2000, there were 930 people, 372 households, and 284 families living in the town. The population density was 46.8 PD/sqmi. There were 608 housing units at an average density of 30.6 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the town was 98.39% White, 0.11% African American, 0.22% Native American, 0.43% Asian, 0.43% from other races, and 0.43% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.97% of the population.

There were 372 households, out of which 31.7% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 65.9% were married couples living together, 7.0% had a female householder with no husband present, and 23.4% were non-families. 17.7% of all households were made up of individuals, and 6.7% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.50 and the average family size was 2.84.

In the town, the population was spread out, with 24.3% under the age of 18, 4.1% from 18 to 24, 29.6% from 25 to 44, 28.6% from 45 to 64, and 13.4% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 40 years. For every 100 females, there were 100.0 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 100.0 males.

The median income for a household in the town was $37,045, and the median income for a family was $41,339. Males had a median income of $31,417 versus $22,596 for females. The per capita income for the town was $21,492. About 5.2% of families and 7.8% of the population were below the poverty line, including 14.9% of those under age 18 and 5.3% of those age 65 or over.

Notable people

 * C. J. Stevens, author of over thirty books on numerous subjects

title: Smithfield, Maine


text:
Solon, Maine

Solon is a town in Somerset County, Maine, United States. The population was 978 at the 2020 census.

History
The first known inhabitants were the Abenaki Indians, whom European settlers encountered in the early 1600s. At a rock ledge over the Kennebec River at Embden, 3 miles from the centre of Solon, there are Native American carvings dating to between 900-1400 CE. General Benedict Arnold and his troops camped below Caratunk Falls on October 7, 1775, before portaging their boats around the falls on the way up the Kennebec River to the Battle of Quebec. Originally called T1 R2 EKR, the plantation was known as Spauldingtown, after Thomas Spaulding, a grantee. It was settled in 1782 by William Hilton from Wiscasset, who purchased 500 acre. On February 23, 1809, it was incorporated as Solon, named after Solon, a statesman and poet of Ancient Greece.

Agriculture was the principal occupation of the inhabitants. The surface of the town is uneven, the underlying rock is slate, but the sandy and occasionally gravelly loam produced good crops of hay and grain. Solon village was established at Fall Brook, its water power used to operate mills. By 1859, when the population was 1,419, there were two sawmills, a gristmill, a shovel handle factory, two fulling and two carding machines, and two blacksmiths. By 1886, the town's industries included a carriage manufacturer and a harness maker.

Solon is the gateway to the Old Canada Road (U.S. Route 201), which from 1820 until 1860 served as the primary link between Lower Canada and Maine. The byway follows the Kennebec River valley through various villages and into the forests near the Canada–US border.

Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 40.74 sqmi, of which 39.65 sqmi is land and 1.09 sqmi is water. Solon is drained by Fall Brook, Michael Stream and the Kennebec River, where Caratunk Falls has a descent of 20 ft.

The town is crossed by U.S. Route 201, 201A and Maine State Route 8. It borders the towns of Bingham and Brighton Plantation to the north, Athens to the east, Cornville and Madison to the south, and Embden to the west.

2010 census
As of the census of 2010, there were 1,053 people, 459 households, and 292 families living in the town. The population density was 26.6 PD/sqmi. There were 657 housing units at an average density of 16.6 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the town was 97.9% White, 0.2% African American, 0.4% Native American, 0.1% Asian, and 1.4% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.4% of the population.

There were 459 households, of which 26.4% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 52.5% were married couples living together, 5.9% had a female householder with no husband present, 5.2% had a male householder with no wife present, and 36.4% were non-families. 27.0% of all households were made up of individuals, and 8.3% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.29 and the average family size was 2.75.

The median age in the town was 45.4 years. 20.1% of residents were under the age of 18; 5.1% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 24.2% were from 25 to 44; 35.6% were from 45 to 64; and 15.1% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the town was 52.6% male and 47.4% female.

2000 census
As of the census of 2000, there were 940 people, 398 households, and 257 families living in the town. The population density was 23.6 people per square mile (9.1/km$2$). There were 581 housing units at an average density of 14.6 per square mile (5.6/km$2$). The racial makeup of the town was 98.83% White, 0.43% Black, 0.21% Native American, 0.11% Asian, and 0.43% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.43% of the population.

There were 398 households, out of which 27.1% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 53.0% were married couples living together, 6.5% had a female householder with no husband present, and 35.4% were non-families. 27.1% of all households were made up of individuals, and 9.5% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.34 and the average family size was 2.82.

In the town, the population was spread out, with 21.9% under the age of 18, 7.3% from 18 to 24, 26.5% from 25 to 44, 30.3% from 45 to 64, and 13.9% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 42 years. For every 100 females, there were 113.6 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 109.7 males.

The median income for a household in the town was $27,266, and the median income for a family was $32,500. Males had a median income of $25,724 versus $16,574 for females. The per capita income for the town was $13,777. About 12.1% of families and 18.0% of the population were below the poverty line, including 21.9% of those under age 18 and 15.3% of those age 65 or over.

Stereographic cards
Stereoscopic photographs of Solon from the Victorian era:

Sites of interest

 * South Solon Meeting House (1842), with 1950s frescos by the Skowhegan School of Painting & Sculpture
 * Evergreen Wilderness Chapel & 1800s Christian Museum -- an 1800s country church replica and Christian museum

Notable person

 * George Washburn; pitcher with the New York Yankees, who appeared in one game, during the 1941 season

title: Solon, Maine


text:
Starks, Maine

Starks is a town in Somerset County, Maine, United States. The town was named after General John Stark of the Revolutionary War. The population was 593 at the 2020 census.

Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 32.13 sqmi, of which 31.59 sqmi is land and 0.54 sqmi is water.

2010 census
As of the census of 2010, there were 640 people, 273 households, and 167 families living in the town. The population density was 20.3 PD/sqmi. There were 395 housing units at an average density of 12.5 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the town was 98.6% White, 0.3% Native American, 0.2% Asian, 0.2% from other races, and 0.8% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.6% of the population.

There were 273 households, of which 28.2% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 50.9% were married couples living together, 5.5% had a female householder with no husband present, 4.8% had a male householder with no wife present, and 38.8% were non-families. 29.7% of all households were made up of individuals, and 8% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.34 and the average family size was 2.92.

The median age in the town was 42.1 years. 21.4% of residents were under the age of 18; 7.2% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 26.5% were from 25 to 44; 30.7% were from 45 to 64; and 14.5% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the town was 51.7% male and 48.3% female.

2000 census
As of the census of 2000, there were 578 people, 224 households, and 159 families living in the town. The population density was 18.4 people per square mile (7.1/km$2$). There were 321 housing units at an average density of 10.2 per square mile (4.0/km$2$). The racial makeup of the town was 98.27% White, 0.17% African American, 0.35% Native American, 0.17% Asian, and 1.04% from two or more races.

There were 224 households, out of which 33.9% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 59.8% were married couples living together, 6.7% had a female householder with no husband present, and 28.6% were non-families. 22.3% of all households were made up of individuals, and 5.8% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.58 and the average family size was 3.01.

In the town, the population was spread out, with 27.3% under the age of 18, 6.6% from 18 to 24, 26.1% from 25 to 44, 31.7% from 45 to 64, and 8.3% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 38 years. For every 100 females, there were 104.2 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 110.0 males.

The median income for a household in the town was $30,313, and the median income for a family was $33,462. Males had a median income of $30,208 versus $20,357 for females. The per capita income for the town was $13,764. About 12.1% of families and 16.7% of the population were below the poverty line, including 19.1% of those under age 18 and 17.4% of those age 65 or over.

Marijuana legalization
In 1992, the town of Starks made the first legal vote for marijuana legalization since the 1970s. Two ordinances written by Dave Wilkinson from neighboring Chesterville were voted on by thirteen Maine towns in the spring of 1992, an event which dominated the local news for a few weeks. One ordinance required that helicopters should not fly lower than 2000 feet over the town except in emergency. The other permitted the cultivation and possession of two pounds' dry weight of cannabis. Don Christen and Maine Vocals lobbied hard for votes. When Starks became the only town to pass both ordinances, it became national news. Wilkinson and other activists went to New York to appear on the "Faith Daniels Show," the high point of the media attention. The following year, the ordinances were repealed.

Starks continues to serve as a focal point among proponents of marijuana legalization in New England. A local farmer, Harry Brown, has hosted weekend festivals, concerts, and rallies to support the repeal of cannabis prohibition on his hillside since 1991.

Notable person

 * Edwin F. Ladd, U.S. senator from North Dakota

title: Starks, Maine


text:
The Forks, Maine

The Forks is a plantation in Somerset County, Maine, United States. The population was 48 at the 2020 census.

Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the plantation has a total area of 41.5 sqmi, of which 39.6 sqmi is land and 1.9 sqmi (4.46%) is water. The plantation contains the convergence of the Dead River and Kennebec River. The Appalachian Trail passes through the southern part of the plantation.

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 35 people, 17 households, and 12 families residing in the plantation. The population density was 0.9 /mi2. There were 383 housing units at an average density of 9.7 /mi2. The racial makeup of the plantation was 100.00% White.

There were 17 households, out of which 23.5% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 52.9% were married couples living together, 11.8% had a female householder with no husband present, and 29.4% were non-families. Of all households 23.5% were made up of individuals, and none had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.06 and the average family size was 2.33.

In the plantation the population was spread out, with 17.1% under the age of 18, 2.9% from 18 to 24, 17.1% from 25 to 44, 51.4% from 45 to 64, and 11.4% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 50 years. For every 100 females, there were 105.9 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 123.1 males.

The median income for a household in the plantation was $37,083, and the median income for a family was $41,667. Males had a median income of $31,250 versus $28,750 for females. The per capita income for the plantation was $29,362. None of the population and none of the families were below the poverty line.

title: The Forks, Maine


text:
West Forks, Maine

West Forks is a plantation in Somerset County, Maine, United States. The population was 58 at the 2020 census.

Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the plantation has a total area of 49.4 sqmi, of which 48.9 sqmi is land and 0.6 sqmi (1.11%) is water. West Forks is located northwest of The Forks.

Demographics
At the 2000 census there were 47 people, 23 households, and 10 families residing in the plantation. The population density was 1.0 PD/sqmi. There were 96 housing units at an average density of 2.0 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the plantation was 100.00% White. Of the 23 households, 8.7% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 39.1% were married couples living together, and 52.2% were non-families. 39.1% of households were one person, and 4.3% were one person aged 65 or older. The average household size was 2.04 and the average family size was 2.64.

In the plantation the population was spread out, with 6.4% under the age of 18, 12.8% from 18 to 24, 27.7% from 25 to 44, 38.3% from 45 to 64, and 14.9% 65 or older. The median age was 49 years. For every 100 females, there were 176.5 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 175.0 males.

The median household income was $39,167 and the median family income was $61,250. Males had a median income of $25,750 versus $13,750 for females. The per capita income for the plantation was $20,042. There were no families and 4.2% of the population living below the poverty line, including no under-eighteens and none of those over 64.

title: West Forks, Maine


text:
Belfast, Maine

Belfast is a city in Waldo County, Maine, United States. As of the 2020 census, the city population was 6,938. Located at the mouth of the Passagassawakeag River estuary on Belfast Bay and Penobscot Bay. Belfast is the county seat of Waldo County. Its seaport has a wealth of historic architecture in several historic districts, and remains popular with tourists.

History
The area was once territory of the Penobscot tribe of Abenaki Native Americans, which each summer visited the seashore to hunt for fish, shellfish and seafowl. In 1630, it became part of the Muscongus Patent, which granted rights for English trading posts with the Native Americans, especially for the lucrative fur trade.

About 1720, General Samuel Waldo of Boston bought the Muscongus Patent, which had evolved into outright ownership of the land, and was thereafter known as the Waldo Patent. Waldo died in 1759, and his heirs would sell the plantation of Passagassawakeag (named after its river) to 35 Scots-Irish proprietors from Londonderry, New Hampshire.

Renamed Belfast after Belfast, Northern Ireland, it was settled in 1770, and incorporated as a town in 1773. The village was mostly abandoned during the Revolution while British forces occupied Bagaduce (now Castine). The British military burned Belfast in 1779, then held it for five days in September 1814 during the War of 1812.

Following the war, the seaport rebuilt and thrived. It was a port of entry, and designated county seat of Waldo County in 1827, although land would be set off in 1845 to form part of Searsport. Belfast was incorporated on August 17, 1850, as a city, the 8th in Maine, adopting its charter on April 3, 1852. It developed into a shipbuilding center, producing hundreds of three, four and five masted schooners. Materials for wooden boat construction were shipped down the Penobscot River from Bangor, the lumber capital of North America during the later 19th century.

Shipbuilders became wealthy, and built the Federal, Greek Revival and Italianate mansions and civic architecture for which the city is noted, including the 1818 First Church by master-builder Samuel French, and the 1857 Custom House and Post Office by noted architect Ammi B. Young. Wooden ship construction would fade by about 1900, but with the advent of ice harvesting and refrigeration, the local economy shifted to distributing seafood, including lobsters, scallops, sardines, herrings and mackerel for the Boston and New York markets.

A county-wide connection to the main line of the Maine Central Railroad at Burnham, 33 mi inland from Belfast, was established by the largely city-owned Belfast and Moosehead Lake Railroad with its opening in 1871. For the first 55 years the line was operated under lease by the MEC as its Belfast Branch but its operation reverted to the B&ML on January 1, 1926, when the lease was terminated by the larger road. Regular passenger service ended in 1960, and all operations in Belfast of any kind ceased in 2005, when the main yard was torn up. In 2011 the grounds of the former B&ML main yard and adjacent Stinson Seafood factory became the site of the Front Street Shipyard. The railroad's 1946 vintage engine house was torn down and its site is now occupied by the shipyard's 26,500 ft2, five-story boatbuilding and repair facility. In 2016 the city opened a rail trail on a 2.3 mi portion of the railroad right-of-way.

Shoe manufacture became an important business. After World War II, however, the Belfast economy was driven by its poultry industry, including two of the state's larger processors, Maplewood and Penobscot Poultry. Waldo County farms supplied the factories with up to 200,000 birds a day. The annual Broiler Festival became a popular summer event, attracting both local people and tourists. But the poultry business collapsed in the mid-1970s during a national recession, devastating the city and surrounding towns. In the early 1980s, the defunct chicken-feed silos at the foot of Main Street, that once fed millions of chickens, were demolished. There was an exodus of people seeking employment prospects elsewhere through the 1960s, 1970s and 1980s. But as they left, people attracted to the natural beauty of the coast of Maine, inexpensive land and homes, some who came to go "back to the land", artists and young college graduates moved in starting a renaissance.

In the early 1990s, credit card giant MBNA established two facilities in Belfast, one considerably larger than the other. The company was instrumental in establishing the Hutchinson Center of the University of Maine, an outpost of the University of Maine System, less than a mile from the main MBNA campus. Jobs provided by MBNA, which was acquired by the Bank of America, helped increase Belfast's population significantly. Bank of America consolidated former MBNA operations in the larger of the two facilities. The smaller complex was eventually taken over by athenahealth.

In 1996, shipbuilding was re-established on the Belfast waterfront with the opening of French & Webb, Inc., classic wooden yacht builders and restorers. Following in their footsteps, Front Street Shipyard opened a major boatyard on the Belfast Bay in 2013. Together, the two boatbuilding companies have restored Belfast's working waterfront and helped revive the city economy as well as appeal to tourists. Movies filmed in Belfast include Peyton Place (1957), Thinner (1996) and In the Bedroom (2001) and the Frederick Wiseman documentary "Belfast, Maine" (1999) about everyday life in the city.

Geography
Belfast is located at 44.42583°N, -69.01167°W (44.425896, −69.011646).

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 38.37 sqmi, of which 34.04 sqmi is land and 4.33 sqmi is water. Situated on Belfast Bay and Penobscot Bay, Belfast is drained by the Passagassawakeag River. Other smaller rivers include Goose River and Little River.

Belfast is bordered by Waldo and Swanville to the north, Searsport to the east, Northport to the south, Belmont to the southwest and Morrill to the west. It is served by US Route 1, Maine State Routes SR 3, SR 7, SR 52. SR 137 and SR 141.

Climate
This climatic region is typified by large seasonal temperature differences, with hot and humid summers and cold and dry winters. According to the Köppen Climate Classification system, Belfast has a humid continental climate, abbreviated "Dfb" on climate maps.

2010 census
As of the census of 2010, there were 6,668 people, 3,049 households, and 1,729 families residing in the city. The population density was 195.9 PD/sqmi. There were 3,582 housing units at an average density of 105.2 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 96.7% White, 0.5% African American, 0.4% Native American, 0.4% Asian, 0.2% from other races, and 1.8% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.2% of the population.

There were 3,049 households, of which 24.1% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 41.4% were married couples living together, 11.5% had a female householder with no spouse present, 3.8% had a male householder with no spouse present, and 43.3% were non-families. 35.9% of all households were made up of individuals, and 17.8% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.14 and the average family size was 2.73.

The median age in the city was 46.9 years. 19.9% of residents were under the age of 18; 6.1% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 21.4% were from 25 to 44; 30.6% were from 45 to 64; and 21.9% were 65 years of age or older. The city's population was 46.2% male and 53.8% female.

2000 census
As of the census of 2000, there were 6,381 people, 2,765 households, and 1,692 families residing in the city. The population density was 187.5 PD/sqmi. There were 3,121 housing units at an average density of 91.7 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 97.56% White, 0.28% African American, 0.27% Native American, 0.28% Asian, 0.02% Pacific Islander, 0.27% from other races, and 1.33% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.69% of the population.

There were 2,765 households, out of which 25.8% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 46.8% were married couples living together, 10.8% had a female householder with no spouse present, and 38.8% were non-families. 31.5% of all households were made up of individuals, and 13.3% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.23 and the average family size was 2.77.

In the city, the population was spread out, with 20.9% under the age of 18, 7.5% from 18 to 24, 24.2% from 25 to 44, 27.3% from 45 to 64, and 20.0% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 43 years. For every 100 females, there were 87.4 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 83.0 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $32,400, and the median income for a family was $43,253. Males had a median income of $30,514 versus $27,518 for females. The per capita income for the city was $19,276. About 10.0% of families and 13.2% of the population were below the poverty line, including 19.5% of those under age 18 and 9.1% of those age 65 or over.

Education
Mascot – Belfast Lions

Colors – Royal Blue, and Gold

These three public elementary schools closed down in early 2000s (decade):

 * Pierce School – Grades K–3 (Brief use as a private school)
 * Anderson School – Grades K–3 (Now Waterfall Arts)
 * Robertson School – Grades 3–5 (Not in use)

Schools Part of Belfast's MSAD #34 District :

 * Captain Albert Stevens Elementary School – Grades K–5 Consolidation of Pierce, Anderson and Robertson Schools (Located in Belfast)
 * Ames School – Grades 3–5 (Located in Searsmont)
 * Weymouth School – Grades K–2 (Located in Morrill)
 * Drinkwater School – Grades K–5 (Located in Northport)
 * Nickerson School – Grades K–5 (Located in Swanville)
 * East Belfast School – Grades K–5 (Located in East Belfast, nicknamed "East Side School")
 * Troy A. Howard Middle School – Grades 6–8 (Located in Belfast)
 * Belfast Area High School – Grades 9–12 (Located in Belfast)

Towns in Regional School Unit #71 as of winter 2020:

 * Belfast
 * Belmont
 * Swanville
 * Searsmont
 * Morrill

In order to save money, many schools in the state of Maine were forced to combine with other districts. Due to consolidation, MSAD #34 (Belfast) combined with MSAD #56 (Searsport) in the fall of 2009. The MSAD's no longer existed; they became one regional school unit, RSU #20. The RSU Superintendent was former Troy A. Howard Middle School and Belfast Area High School Vice Principal Bruce Mailloux. The former MSAD #56 towns of Searsport, Frankfort, and Stockton also became part of RSU #20.

Towns in the new RSU #20 District as of fall 2009 that were combined with MSAD #56:

 * Belfast
 * Belmont
 * Swanville
 * Searsmont
 * Northport
 * Morrill
 * Searsport
 * Frankfort
 * Stockton Springs

Disagreements over inflating costs and the lack of local control over their students education caused several towns across Maine to consider withdrawing from these larger consolidated districts. One of these towns included Stockton Springs, which voted on March 25, 2014, to withdraw from RSU #20. At that time all eight municipalities within RSU #20 were at various points in the withdrawal process. These communities included Belfast, Searsmont, Stockton Springs, Belmont, Morrill, Northport, Searsmont and Swanville. Belfast voted in February 2014 to spend $25,000 to put together a report on the educational and financial impacts of leaving RSU 20. Although consolidation was originally done to save money and increase the educational value of students from smaller towns, the consolidation was not widely perceived to be beneficial. Belfast, Belmont, Swanville, Searsmont, and Morrill withdrew from RSU #20 and established RSU #71.

Sites of interest

 * Belfast Historical Society & Museum
 * Belfast Free Library, a public library established in 1887
 * Front Street Shipyard
 * Perry's Nut House

Belfast City Park
Belfast City Park is an urban park located on 17.5 acre of land overlooking Penobscot Bay. It is heavily used during the spring, summer and fall months and closed during the winter. When it was founded in 1904 by the Belfast Village Improvement Society, a local women's group, it was considered the group's biggest accomplishment.

Notable people

 * Nehemiah Abbott, U.S. Congressman and mayor
 * Hugh J. Anderson, U.S. Congressman and 20th governor of Maine
 * Charles G. Bryant, architect, soldier and adventurer
 * Hodgdon C. Buzzell, State Senate President, probate judge and mayor
 * Dorothy Cannell, novelist, mysteries writer
 * William G. Crosby, poet and 23rd governor of Maine
 * Donald DePoy, fifth-generation bluegrass musician, music educator, and music event organizer.
 * Herbert L. Foss, Medal of Honor recipient (Navy), Spanish–American War
 * Jonathan Frakes, actor (former resident)
 * Genie Francis, actress (former resident)
 * Linden Frederick, painter
 * Harriet L. Hartley, public health doctor and medical school professor (20c resident)
 * Harrison M. Hayford, scholar of American literature, top authority on Herman Melville
 * Erin Herbig, Maine house majority leader
 * Albert G. Jewett, diplomat (U.S. Chargé d'Affaires in Peru, 1845–1847; later Mayor of Belfast)
 * Clara Savage Littledale, journalist, first editor of Parents magazine, born in Belfast.
 * Hugh Dean McLellan, Federal judge
 * Seth L. Milliken, U.S. Congressman
 * Bern Porter, scientist, artist, writer
 * William Veazie Pratt, admiral; Chief of Naval Operations (Navy's highest rank)
 * Phineas Quimby, mesmerist
 * Nathan Read, inventor, educator, steam-power trailblazer, Congressman, judge
 * Dudley Allen Sargent, Harvard professor, physical fitness pioneer
 * Robert P. Skinner, diplomat, U.S. Ambassador to Greece, the Baltic States, Turkey
 * Joseph B. Smith, Naval officer
 * Albert William Stevens, Army officer, balloonist, photographer; took first photos of Earth's curvature
 * Live Oak Taylor, (George Edward Taylor), professional baseball player
 * Edward Wilson Very, naval officer, inventor of the Very signal flare gun
 * Neil Welliver, artist, died in Belfast
 * James Clarke White, M.D., physician, "Father of American Dermatology"
 * William H. Wilder, U.S. Congressman, expert on world monetary policies
 * Joseph Williamson, State Senate President
 * John Wilson, U.S. Congressman
 * Wendall Woodbury, television journalist and anchor

title: Belfast, Maine


text:
Belmont, Maine

Belmont is a town in Waldo County, Maine, United States. The population was 976 at the 2020 census. It was originally known as Green Plantation. The squatters who lived there would, when alerted to the impending arrival of law officers, dress as Indians and then ignore the officers.

Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 14.19 sqmi, of which 13.61 sqmi is land and 0.58 sqmi is water, chiefly Tilden Pond (357 acres).

The town is crossed by SR 3 and SR 131. It is bordered by Morrill on the north, Belfast on the east, Northport on the southeast, Lincolnville on the south and Searsmont on the west.

2010 census
As of the census of 2010, there were 942 people, 405 households, and 252 families living in the town. The population density was 69.2 PD/sqmi. There were 462 housing units at an average density of 33.9 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the town was 97.0% White, 0.2% African American, 0.3% Native American, 0.3% Asian, 0.8% from other races, and 1.3% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.8% of the population.

There were 405 households, of which 28.9% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 47.9% were married couples living together, 9.4% had a female householder with no husband present, 4.9% had a male householder with no wife present, and 37.8% were non-families. 30.4% of all households were made up of individuals, and 14.3% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.33 and the average family size was 2.87.

The median age in the town was 44.8 years. 20.8% of residents were under the age of 18; 5.8% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 23.8% were from 25 to 44; 32.2% were from 45 to 64; and 17.6% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the town was 47.6% male and 52.4% female.

2000 census
As of the census of 2000, there were 821 people, 336 households, and 243 families living in the town. The population density was 60.3 PD/sqmi. There were 393 housing units at an average density of 28.9 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the town was 98.66% White, 0.49% Native American, and 0.85% from two or more races.

There were 336 households, out of which 26.2% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 58.9% were married couples living together, 9.2% had a female householder with no husband present, and 27.4% were non-families. 22.9% of all households were made up of individuals, and 10.7% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.44 and the average family size was 2.79.

In the town, the population was spread out, with 23.5% under the age of 18, 7.2% from 18 to 24, 26.6% from 25 to 44, 28.1% from 45 to 64, and 14.6% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 40 years. For every 100 females, there were 98.8 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 93.8 males.

The median income for a household in the town was $29,013, and the median income for a family was $36,875. Males had a median income of $25,197 versus $24,327 for females. The per capita income for the town was $14,942. About 6.3% of families and 10.3% of the population were below the poverty line, including 10.3% of those under age 18 and 13.7% of those age 65 or over.

Notable person

 * Josephine Bicknell Neal (1880–1955), physician, encephalitis/meningitis pioneer

title: Belmont, Maine


text:
Brooks, Maine

Brooks is a town in Waldo County, Maine, United States. The population was 1,010 at the 2020 census.

The town was incorporated on December 10, 1816, and was named after John Brooks, the Federalist candidate for Governor of Massachusetts in 1815–1816, when the town incorporated. The town of Dexter, which incorporated the same year, was named after the opposing candidate Samuel Dexter. It was during Gov. Brooks' administration that Maine ceased to be a territory of Massachusetts and became a state.

Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 25.37 sqmi, of which 24.67 sqmi is land and 0.70 sqmi is water. The town is drained by Marsh Stream. Principal bodies of water include Lake Passagassawakeag (a.k.a. Randall Pond) (117 acres), Ellis Pond (100 acres), Halfmoon Pond (37 acres) and Sanborn Pond (90 acres). The town is crossed by state routes SR 7, SR 203 and SR 139. It is bordered on the north by Jackson, on the northeast by Monroe, on the east by Swanville, on the south by Waldo, and on the west by Knox.

2010 census
As of the census of 2010, there were 1,078 people, 446 households, and 285 families living in the town. The population density was 43.7 PD/sqmi. There were 562 housing units at an average density of 22.8 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the town was 96.7% White, 0.4% African American, 0.8% Native American, 0.4% Asian, 0.1% from other races, and 1.7% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.6% of the population.

There were 446 households, of which 30.9% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 48.0% were married couples living together, 11.0% had a female householder with no husband present, 4.9% had a male householder with no wife present, and 36.1% were non-families. 28.9% of all households were made up of individuals, and 12.8% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.42 and the average family size was 2.97.

The median age in the town was 40.2 years. 23.6% of residents were under the age of 18; 7.2% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 25.7% were from 25 to 44; 27.7% were from 45 to 64; and 15.8% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the town was 51.4% male and 48.6% female.

2000 census
As of the census of 2000, there were 1,022 people, 410 households, and 275 families living in the town. The population density was 41.8 PD/sqmi. There were 522 housing units at an average density of 21.4 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the town was 98.83% White, 0.10% African American, 0.20% Native American, 0.10% Asian, 0.10% from other races, and 0.68% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.88% of the population.

There were 410 households, out of which 31.2% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 55.9% were married couples living together, 6.6% had a female householder with no husband present, and 32.7% were non-families. 27.6% of all households were made up of individuals, and 11.2% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.47 and the average family size was 2.98.

In the town, the population was spread out, with 26.3% under the age of 18, 6.8% from 18 to 24, 28.4% from 25 to 44, 24.6% from 45 to 64, and 14.0% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 38 years. For every 100 females, there were 97.3 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 90.2 males.

The median income for a household in the town was $30,104, and the median income for a family was $38,393. Males had a median income of $25,833 versus $18,977 for females. The per capita income for the town was $14,446. About 14.2% of families and 19.5% of the population were below the poverty line, including 24.9% of those under age 18 and 27.8% of those age 65 or over.

title: Brooks, Maine


text:
Burnham, Maine

Burnham is a town in Waldo County, Maine, United States. The population was 1,096 at the 2020 census.

Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 41.22 sqmi, of which 38.89 sqmi is land and 2.33 sqmi is water, chiefly Unity Pond. The town is drained by Twentyfive Mile Stream and the Sebasticook River.

Burnham is crossed by Interstate 95, Maine State Route 11 and 100. The town is bordered by Pittsfield on the north, Detroit on the northeast, Troy on the east, Unity and Unity Township on the south and Clinton on the west.

2010 census
As of the census of 2010, there were 1,164 people, 502 households, and 332 families living in the town. The population density was 29.9 PD/sqmi. There were 714 housing units at an average density of 18.4 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the town was 98.4% White, 0.2% African American, 0.2% Native American, 0.2% Asian, 0.1% from other races, and 1.0% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.3% of the population.

There were 502 households, of which 28.5% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 48.8% were married couples living together, 10.2% had a female householder with no husband present, 7.2% had a male householder with no wife present, and 33.9% were non-families. 27.1% of all households were made up of individuals, and 9% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.32 and the average family size was 2.75.

The median age in the town was 43.3 years. 20.5% of residents were under the age of 18; 9.5% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 22.3% were from 25 to 44; 33.7% were from 45 to 64; and 13.9% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the town was 52.3% male and 47.7% female.

2000 census
As of the census of 2000, there were 1,142 people, 442 households, and 326 families living in the town. The population density was 29.3 PD/sqmi. There were 649 housing units at an average density of 16.7 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the town was 96.85% White, 0.18% African American, 0.44% Native American, 0.09% Asian, 0.53% from other races, and 1.93% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.35% of the population.

There were 442 households, out of which 34.4% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 59.5% were married couples living together, 9.0% had a female householder with no husband present, and 26.2% were non-families. 20.6% of all households were made up of individuals, and 7.0% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.58 and the average family size was 2.97.

In the town, the population was spread out, with 26.4% under the age of 18, 7.4% from 18 to 24, 28.8% from 25 to 44, 26.6% from 45 to 64, and 10.8% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 37 years. For every 100 females, there were 103.2 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 103.1 males.

The median income for a household in the town was $31,071, and the median income for a family was $33,580. Males had a median income of $23,828 versus $21,053 for females. The per capita income for the town was $14,030. About 13.8% of families and 16.0% of the population were below the poverty line, including 23.3% of those under age 18 and 7.8% of those age 65 or over.

title: Burnham, Maine


text:
Frankfort, Maine

Frankfort is a town on the Penobscot River estuary in Waldo County, Maine, United States. The population was 1,231 at the 2020 census.

History
Frankfort is the oldest town on the Penobscot River, first settled in the 1760s by Massachusetts soldiers from nearby Fort Pownall. With the end of the French and Indian War, the Penobscot Valley became part of New England, and more specifically Massachusetts, leading to the first cautious encroachments by English-speaking settlers on the lands of the Penobscot Indians. This process, which would begin in Frankfort, would end with the founding of Bangor, Brewer, Orono, Old Town and other inland settlements, and the eventual restriction of the Penobscot people to their major village at "Indian Old Town", or the present Penobscot Indian Reservation.

Today's Frankfort is just a small portion of the original town, which contained the present-day towns of Frankfort, Winterport, Stockton Springs, and Prospect. Ft. Pownall was thus in Frankfort, and the town's major village was what is now Winterport. Frankfort was a logical place for settlement not only because Verona Island commanded the approach up the river, but because the river above the town froze during the winter, making this the last ice-free port as one ascended—hence the name "Winterport".

One of the first settlers was Lt. Joshua Treat (1729–1802), the armorer at Ft. Pownall, whose brother became one of the first settlers of Bangor.

A British fleet anchored off Frankfort in 1814 on its way to sack Bangor and Hampden. The British confiscated provisions from the town and took one ship. The town suffered greatly during the War of 1812 as the British blockade destroyed the coasting trade on which it depended.

In the 19th century an important granite quarry was opened in Frankfort, and the ship-building industry also flourished. The village of Winterport eventually split off to form its own town, however.

Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 25.91 sqmi, of which 24.61 sqmi is land and 1.30 sqmi is water. Frankfort borders on Swan Lake on the southwest and is drained by the Marsh Stream on its northern border.

The town is crossed by U.S. Route 1A and is bordered on the north by Winterport, on the east by the Penobscot River and across the river, Bucksport, on the south by Prospect and Searsport, on the southwest by Swanville and on the west by Monroe.

Frankfort's two highest points are Mt. Waldo and Mosquito Mountain. Mt. Waldo was so named circa 1815. Prior to that time, it had been called "Mt. Misery" because two young local men who had attempted to climb it had been overtaken by a blizzard and killed.

2010 census
As of the census of 2010, there were 1,124 people, 452 households, and 323 families living in the town. The population density was 45.7 PD/sqmi. There were 537 housing units at an average density of 21.8 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the town was 98.8% White, 0.3% African American, 0.1% Native American, 0.4% Asian, 0.2% from other races, and 0.3% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.4% of the population.

There were 452 households, of which 29.2% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 59.1% were married couples living together, 7.5% had a female householder with no husband present, 4.9% had a male householder with no wife present, and 28.5% were non-families. 19.7% of all households were made up of individuals, and 5.7% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.49 and the average family size was 2.85.

The median age in the town was 41.6 years. 21.3% of residents were under the age of 18; 7.4% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 25.9% were from 25 to 44; 32.2% were from 45 to 64; and 13.3% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the town was 49.8% male and 50.2% female.

2000 census
As of the census of 2000, there were 1,041 people, 400 households, and 301 families living in the town. The population density was 42.3 PD/sqmi. There were 469 housing units at an average density of 19.0 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the town was 97.69% White, 0.10% African American, 1.15% Native American, 0.29% Asian, and 0.77% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.29% of the population.

There were 400 households, out of which 35.0% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 64.0% were married couples living together, 7.0% had a female householder with no husband present, and 24.8% were non-families. 17.5% of all households were made up of individuals, and 6.8% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.60 and the average family size was 2.97.

In the town, the population was spread out, with 25.7% under the age of 18, 8.5% from 18 to 24, 32.6% from 25 to 44, 23.7% from 45 to 64, and 9.4% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 35 years. For every 100 females, there were 94.6 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 93.7 males.

The median income for a household in the town was $33,333, and the median income for a family was $35,924. Males had a median income of $29,342 versus $19,375 for females. The per capita income for the town was $14,524. About 13.6% of families and 13.4% of the population were below the poverty line, including 19.2% of those under age 18 and 12.5% of those age 65 or over.

title: Frankfort, Maine


text:
Freedom, Maine

Freedom is a town in Waldo County, Maine, United States. The population was 711 at the 2020 census. Freedom is a residential and recreational area.

History
The area was part of the Plymouth Patent. It was settled in 1794 by Stephen Smith, who was a soldier in the Revolutionary War. First called Smithstown Plantation, it was later called Beaver Hill Plantation. During the War of 1812, the town was incorporated on June 11, 1813, as Freedom, a name which had political significance. Freedom Academy was founded in 1836. The town's population was 716 inhabitants in 1870, and 652 in 1880.

Principal products of farms were hay and potatoes. Sandy Stream, which is supplied by Sandy and Duck ponds, provided water power for early mills. Industries included a flour mill, corn mill, sawmill for long lumber, shingle mill, a shovel handle factory, a carding, clothing and woolen mill, and a tannery.

Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 22.22 sqmi, of which 21.52 sqmi is land and 0.70 sqmi is water, chiefly Sandy (Freedom) Pond (420 acres). Freedom is drained by Sandy Stream.

2010 census
As of the census of 2010, there were 719 people, 292 households, and 192 families living in the town. The population density was 33.4 PD/sqmi. There were 343 housing units at an average density of 15.9 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the town was 97.9% White, 0.3% African American, 0.3% Native American, 0.3% Asian, 0.3% from other races, and 1.0% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.3% of the population.

There were 292 households, of which 27.4% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 52.1% were married couples living together, 8.9% had a female householder with no husband present, 4.8% had a male householder with no wife present, and 34.2% were non-families. 25.3% of all households were made up of individuals, and 10.3% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.46 and the average family size was 2.91.

The median age in the town was 44.7 years. 22.7% of residents were under the age of 18; 7.3% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 20.8% were from 25 to 44; 34.9% were from 45 to 64; and 14.3% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the town was 49.1% male and 50.9% female.

2000 census
As of the census of 2000, there were 645 people, 259 households, and 182 families living in the town. The population density was 30.0 PD/sqmi. There were 321 housing units at an average density of 14.9 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the town was 96.59% White, 0.31% African American, 0.16% Native American, and 2.95% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 2.17% of the population.

There were 259 households, out of which 30.9% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 57.1% were married couples living together, 7.3% had a female householder with no husband present, and 29.7% were non-families. 22.0% of all households were made up of individuals, and 7.3% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.49 and the average family size was 2.84.

In the town, the population was spread out, with 24.8% under the age of 18, 5.9% from 18 to 24, 26.7% from 25 to 44, 30.9% from 45 to 64, and 11.8% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 42 years. For every 100 females, there were 112.9 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 106.4 males.

The median income for a household in the town was $33,125, and the median income for a family was $35,750. Males had a median income of $33,750 versus $24,688 for females. The per capita income for the town was $15,492. About 11.6% of families and 15.4% of the population were below the poverty line, including 17.5% of those under age 18 and 10.4% of those age 65 or over.

Notable people

 * George Willard Coy, American mechanic, inventor and telephone pioneer
 * Daniel F. Davis, 37th governor of Maine

title: Freedom, Maine


text:
Islesboro, Maine

Islesboro is a town in Waldo County, Maine, United States, comprising Islesboro Island and several smaller islands. The population was 583 at the 2020 census. It has a summer colony accessible by state ferry service from Lincolnville Beach three miles to the west, by private boat, or by air taxi service. Home to Warren Island State Park, Islesboro includes the village of Dark Harbor.

History
The Penobscot people called it Pitaubegwimenahanuk, meaning "the island that lies between two channels", although André Thevet recorded the name Aiayascon in 1556. It was part of the Waldo Patent. First called Long Island Plantation, it was settled in 1769. It was incorporated as Islesborough on January 28, 1789, although over time the spelling was contracted to Islesboro.

With many harbors and coves, the island was home to the largest commercial shipping fleet in the bay during the 19th century. Following the Civil War, however, Islesboro developed as a resort community, and many large and luxurious summer homes were built. Their large yachts cruised and raced throughout the Gulf of Maine. The town remains an upper-class enclave and summer colony.

Islands and villages
Situated in upper Penobscot Bay, the island town separates East from West Penobscot Bay. Islesboro Island is narrow, mainly north-south and 14 miles long. Smaller islands include Job Island, Seven Hundred Acre Island, Spruce Island, Warren Island, Seal Island, Ram Island, Thrumcap, Middle Island, Minot Island, Ensign Island (#1 and #2), Lime Island, Flat Island, Hutchins Island, Little Island, Little Bermuda(?), Joe's Rock, and Birch Point. Semi-submerged features include Haskell Ledge, Minor Ledge, and Minot Island Ledge.

The main island consists of two wider landmasses separated by a narrow isthmus called The Narrows. Neighborhoods and villages (small clusters of buildings) are distributed across the two:
 * Up Island, the northern landmass
 * Pripet, also known as Warren's Landing or Beckett's Landing – the historic site of a kiln and steamboat wharf
 * North Islesboro – historic village and current site of a general store
 * Ryder's Cove – historic summer vacation spot and steamboat destination
 * Down Island, the southern landmass
 * Islesboro Village, also known as Guinea Village – near Islesboro Harbor
 * Hewes Point – historic summer vacation spot and steamboat destination
 * Town Center – town offices, community center, and post office
 * Grindle Point – current ferry landing, with historic lighthouse
 * Dark Harbor – historic summer vacation spot and steamboat destination

Size and features
According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 68.88 sqmi, of which 14.29 sqmi is land and 54.59 sqmi is water.

There is one large pond, called Meadow Pond, in the northern portion of the Island, the work of beavers that have dammed a narrow place. Ice was once harvested from this pond for export to places as far away as India. Hewes Point was named for Paola Hewes, an early pioneer settler.

Climate
This climatic region is typified by large seasonal temperature differences, with warm to hot (and often humid) summers and cold (sometimes severely cold) winters. According to the Köppen Climate Classification system, Islesboro has a humid continental climate, abbreviated "Dfb" on climate maps.

2010 census
As of the census of 2010, there were 566 people, 270 households, and 161 families living in the town. The population density was 39.6 PD/sqmi. There were 850 housing units at an average density of 59.5 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the town was 97.9% White, 0.7% African American, 0.2% Native American, 0.2% Asian, 0.5% from other races, and 0.5% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.9% of the population.

There were 270 households, of which 20.7% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 46.7% were married couples living together, 7.0% had a female householder with no husband present, 5.9% had a male householder with no wife present, and 40.4% were non-families. Of all households 34.4% were made up of individuals, and 15.2% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.07 and the average family size was 2.57.

The median age in the town was 52.1 years. 17.3% of residents were under the age of 18; 3.4% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 17.4% were from 25 to 44; 37.5% were from 45 to 64; and 24.4% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the town was 48.2% male and 51.8% female.

2000 census
As of the census of 2000, there were 603 people, 280 households, and 176 families living in the town. The population density was 42.3 PD/sqmi. There were 741 housing units at an average density of 52.0 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the town was 98.18% White, 0.17% African American, 0.17% Native American, 0.17% Asian, 0.50% from other races, and 0.83% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.33% of the population.

There were 280 households, out of which 25.0% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 53.2% were married couples living together, 5.7% had a female householder with no husband present, and 36.8% were non-families. Of all households 30.7% were made up of individuals, and 13.6% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.15 and the average family size was 2.69.

In the town, the population was spread out, with 20.2% under the age of 18, 3.3% from 18 to 24, 25.4% from 25 to 44, 31.2% from 45 to 64, and 19.9% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 46 years. For every 100 females, there were 97.1 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 97.1 males.

The median income for a household in the town was $39,643, and the median income for a family was $48,750. Males had a median income of $35,000 versus $24,750 for females. The per capita income for the town was $25,653. About 5.5% of families and 7.2% of the population were below the poverty line, including 8.3% of those under age 18 and 9.7% of those age 65 or over.

Education

Islesboro Central School is one of four island schools in Maine that cover all grades (K–12), the others being North Haven, Vinalhaven, and Mount Desert Island. It is also unique that it allows mainland students to pay tuition to attend from grades 5 through 12. The "magnet" students, and some teachers, who live on the mainland take the ferry across every morning where they are met with a school bus to take them to school. Students come from a range of midcoast towns to attend ICS. The number of the students in the school fluctuates, but is around 100 students in kindergarten through 12th grade.

The school is a member of the Busline League for middle school sports, and is in Class D, South, in the Maine Principals' Association. The competitive sports offered through the school include cross country running, sailing, soccer, basketball, and Ultimate Frisbee.

Notable people

 * Winthrop Aldrich, banker and US Ambassador to Great Britain
 * Kirstie Alley, actress
 * John Judson Ames, editor and proprietor of the first newspaper in San Diego, California
 * Honor Blackman, actress
 * C. Douglas Dillon, diplomat and politician
 * Joan Dillon, American born duchess and princess
 * Ruth Draper, dramatist
 * Charles Dana Gibson, illustrator
 * Isabel Gillies, actress and author
 * Ved Mehta, author
 * Sister Parish, interior decorator
 * Kelly Preston, actress
 * George Stevens Jr., film director
 * John Train, investment advisor and author
 * John Travolta, actor
 * Lily Tuck, writer

title: Islesboro, Maine