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Sagadahoc County, Maine

Sagadahoc County is a county located in the U.S. state of Maine. As of the 2020 census, the population was 36,699. Its county seat is Bath. In geographic area, it is the smallest county in Maine.

Sagadahoc County is part of the Portland–South Portland, ME Metropolitan Statistical Area.

Exploration and settlement
Sagadahoc County was initially part of York and, later, Lincoln County before being set off and incorporated in 1854. The name comes from the "Sagadahoc River", an early name for the Kennebec River. Samuel de Champlain led the first known visit of Europeans to the region. In 1607, the English Popham Colony was established in what is now Phippsburg; it was abandoned a year later, but English fishermen and trappers continued to visit the area. John Smith explored the region in 1614 and reported back to King Charles I, who named the Sagadahoc area "Leethe."

When the Plymouth Council for New England was dissolved in 1635, 10000 acre on the east side of the Kennebec River were divided up and granted to private owners. Over the years, these proprietors extended their claims through additional land grants, purchases from Native Americans, and exploitation of the often poorly defined boundaries of their lands. By 1660, Englishmen held the titles to the whole of what is now Sagadahoc County.

When King Philip’s War broke out in 1675, the plundering of one house was the only hostile act in Sagadahoc County until August 1676, at which point three settlements were attacked and 53 people taken captive by Native Americans. The region was almost totally abandoned by settlers, and no permanent settlement was established until 1715, when Arrowsic and Brunswick were founded. Scotch-Irish Presbyterians began immigrating to the region in increasingly large numbers, though occasional violence persisted until 1759, when the French and Indian Wars ended in Maine.

Later conflicts
There were no significant conflicts in Sagadahoc during the American Revolutionary War, despite fear of attack from British cruisers. Two British armed vessels sailed up the Kennebec River toward Bath, but turned back after being attacked. In the War of 1812, the capture of HMS Boxer occurred nearby. During the Civil War the county furnished to the Union forces 2,488 men.

Nineteenth century
Steam power was first used on the Kennebec as early as 1818 for propelling boats. What became the Bath branch of the Maine Central Railroad was completed in 1849; and the Knox and Lincoln Railroad was opened in 1871. The first newspaper was published in the county in 1820.

Sagadahoc County was set off from Lincoln and incorporated in 1854, with Bath as the county seat. Its valuation in 1870 was $11,041,340. In 1880 it was $10,297,215. The polls in 1870 numbered 4,669, and in 1880, 5,182. The population in 1870 was 18,803. In 1880 it was 19,276.

From 1880 to 2000, the county's population nearly doubled to 35,214.

Geography
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 370 sqmi, of which 254 sqmi is land and 116 sqmi (31%) is water. It is the smallest county in Maine by area.

Adjacent counties

 * Kennebec County – north
 * Lincoln County – east
 * Cumberland County – west
 * Androscoggin County – northwest

National protected area

 * Pond Island National Wildlife Refuge

2000 census
As of the census of 2000, there were 35,214 people, 14,117 households, and 9,641 families living in the county. The population density was 139 PD/sqmi. There were 16,489 housing units at an average density of 65 /mi2. The racial makeup of the county was 96.49% White, 0.92% Black or African American, 0.31% Native American, 0.63% Asian, 0.06% Pacific Islander, 0.38% from other races, and 1.21% from two or more races. 1.11% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race.

There were 14,117 households, out of which 33.20% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 54.60% were married couples living together, 9.60% had a female householder with no husband present, and 31.70% were non-families. 25.20% of all households were made up of individuals, and 9.30% 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 2.96.

In the county, the population was spread out, with 25.80% under the age of 18, 6.60% from 18 to 24, 30.50% from 25 to 44, 24.90% from 45 to 64, and 12.30% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 38 years. For every 100 females, there were 96.30 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 93.10 males.

The median income for a household in the county was $41,908, and the median income for a family was $49,714. Males had a median income of $34,039 versus $24,689 for females. The per capita income for the county was $20,378. About 6.90% of families and 8.60% of the population were below the poverty line, including 12.20% of those under age 18 and 6.40% of those age 65 or over.

22.0% were of English, 11.6% Irish, 11.1% French, 10.6% United States or American, 8.0% French Canadian and 7.3% German ancestry according to Census 2000. 96.1% spoke English and 2.2% French as their first language.

According to the Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Sagadahoc County has the lowest rate of immunization of two-year-olds in the state, at 26%, only a third of the statewide average of 75% and more than 30% lower than the next lowest county in the state.

2010 census
As of the 2010 United States census, there were 35,293 people, 15,088 households, and 9,869 families living in the county. The population density was 139.1 PD/sqmi. There were 18,288 housing units at an average density of 72.1 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the county was 96.2% white, 0.8% Asian, 0.7% black or African American, 0.4% American Indian, 0.3% from other races, and 1.6% from two or more races. Those of Hispanic or Latino origin made up 1.3% of the population. In terms of ancestry, 26.9% were English, 16.8% were Irish, 11.8% were German, 8.1% were French Canadian, 6.6% were Italian, 6.5% were Scottish, and 6.4% were American.

Of the 15,088 households, 28.4% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 51.2% were married couples living together, 10.1% had a female householder with no husband present, 34.6% were non-families, and 27.1% of all households were made up of individuals. The average household size was 2.32 and the average family size was 2.81. The median age was 44.1 years.

The median income for a household in the county was $55,486 and the median income for a family was $66,650. Males had a median income of $46,068 versus $35,107 for females. The per capita income for the county was $26,983. About 5.7% of families and 8.8% of the population were below the poverty line, including 12.0% of those under age 18 and 7.4% of those age 65 or over.

State senators representing Sagadahoc County

 * Senator Pamela Cahill, R-Woolwich, 1986–1994
 * Senator Mary Small, R-Bath, 1994–2002
 * Senator Arthur Mayo III, R/D-Bath, 2002–2006
 * Senator Paula Benoit, R-Phippsburg, 2006–2008
 * Senator Seth Goodall, D-Richmond, 2008–2013
 * Eloise Vitelli was elected to the Maine Senate in the special election to replace Senator Goodall.
 * Senator Linda Baker, R-Topsham, 2014–2017
 * Senator Eloise Vitelli, D-Arrowsic, 2017–Present

Presidential election results
Sagadahoc County is a reliable state bellwether, having voted for Maine's statewide winner in every presidential election since 1948.

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City

 * Bath (county seat)

Towns

 * Arrowsic
 * Bowdoin
 * Bowdoinham
 * Georgetown
 * Phippsburg
 * Richmond
 * Topsham
 * West Bath
 * Woolwich

Unorganized territory

 * Perkins Township (Swan Island)

Census-designated places

 * Bowdoinham
 * Richmond
 * Topsham

title: Sagadahoc County, Maine


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Piscataquis County, Maine

Piscataquis County is a county located in the U.S. state of Maine. As of the 2020 census, its population was 16,800, making it Maine's least-populous county. Its county seat is Dover-Foxcroft. The county was incorporated on March 23, 1838, taken from the western part of Penobscot County and the eastern part of Somerset County. It is named for an Abenaki word meaning "branch of the river" or "at the river branch."

Originally, the county extended north to the Canada–US border, but in 1844 its northern portion was annexed by Aroostook County. In terms of land area, Piscataquis is one of the largest U.S. counties east of the Mississippi River. It is also one of two counties in the Northeast (and seven counties east of the Mississippi River) that meet Frederick Jackson Turner's requirements for "frontier" country – that is, having fewer than six inhabitants per square mile, the other being Hamilton County, New York.

Baxter State Park, a large wilderness preserve, is located in Piscataquis County.

History
In June 1799, near Piscataquis County's three major rivers, people started clearing land and settling there.

In 1883, the Monson Railroad, a two-foot gague commoner railroad, began operating in the county. It would be the last operating railroad of its type in North America.

From the 1970s to the 1990s, paper companies' land in the county was heavily harvested.

Geography
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 4378 sqmi, of which 3961 sqmi is land and 417 sqmi (9.5%) is water. It is the second-largest county in Maine by area. The largest lake in the county is Moosehead Lake (the state’s largest) at 120 sqmi. The highest natural point in the county and the state of Maine is Mount Katahdin at 5,271 ft, while the geographic center is Greeley Landing in the Town of Dover-Foxcroft.

Adjacent counties

 * Aroostook County – north
 * Penobscot County – southeast
 * Somerset County – west

2000 census
As of the 2000 census, there were 17,235 people, 7,278 households, and 4,854 families residing in the county. The population density was 4 /mi2. There were 13,783 housing units at an average density of 4 /mi2. The racial makeup of the county was 97.84% White, 0.21% Black or African American, 0.52% Native American, 0.27% Asian, 0.02% Pacific Islander, 0.14% from other races, and 1.00% from two or more races. 0.52% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race. 23.6% were of English, 16.4% French, 15.3% United States or American and 11.5% Irish ancestry according to Census 2000. 96.9% spoke English and 2.0% French as their first language.

There were 7,278 households, out of which 28.60% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 54.10% were married couples living together, 8.40% had a female householder with no husband present, and 33.30% were non-families. 27.80% of all households were made up of individuals, and 14.00% 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 2.83.

In the county, the population was spread out, with 23.40% under the age of 18, 5.70% from 18 to 24, 26.00% from 25 to 44, 27.50% from 45 to 64, and 17.40% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 42 years. For every 100 females there were 96.40 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 95.20 males.

The median income for a household in the county was $28,250, and the median income for a family was $34,852. Males had a median income of $28,149 versus $20,241 for females. The per capita income for the county was $14,374. About 11.20% of families and 14.80% of the population were below the poverty line, including 17.80% of those under age 18 and 13.90% of those age 65 or over.

2010 census
As of the 2010 United States census, there were 17,535 people, 7,825 households, and 4,948 families residing in the county. The population density was 4.4 /mi2. There were 15,340 housing units at an average density of 3.9 /mi2. The racial makeup of the county was 96.9% white, 0.7% Asian, 0.5% American Indian, 0.3% black or African American, 0.3% from other races, and 1.2% from two or more races. Those of Hispanic or Latino origin made up 1.0% of the population. In terms of ancestry, 21.4% were English, 16.5% were Irish, 13.6% were American, 8.7% were German, 5.5% were Scottish, and 5.3% were French Canadian.

Of the 7,825 households, 23.6% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 50.1% were married couples living together, 8.5% had a female householder with no husband present, 36.8% were non-families, and 30.5% of all households were made up of individuals. The average household size was 2.21 and the average family size was 2.70. The median age was 48.1 years.

The median income for a household in the county was $34,016 and the median income for a family was $43,821. Males had a median income of $34,575 versus $28,014 for females. The per capita income for the county was $19,870. About 12.3% of families and 16.2% of the population were below the poverty line, including 24.9% of those under age 18 and 12.6% of those age 65 or over.

Religion
Piscataquis County has one of the lowest rates of religious adherence in the United States. The county ranks at 3,085 of 3,148 counties (lowest 2%), with 20.5% of the population regularly attending congregations or claiming religious membership.

In Maine, Piscataquis County ranks tenth of the 16 counties in percentage of religious adherents. The State of Maine has the lowest percentage of religious adherents in the United States at 27%.

County officials
The following individuals hold county offices:
 * Interim County Manager: Tom Lizotte
 * County Treasurer: Johanna Greenfield
 * Mayor: Paul Paydos
 * Finance Administrator: Kathy Walsh
 * Sheriff: Robert Young
 * EMA Director: Tom Capraro
 * Probate Register: Donna Peterson
 * Deeds Register: Linda Smith
 * District Attorney: R. Chris Almy
 * DA Administrative Assistant: Corinna Rackliff
 * Head of Maintenance: Josh York
 * Judge of Probate: James R. Austin

County Commissioners and Districts
Piscataquis County is administered by three County Commissioners, each representing one of the three county districts. They are elected for four-year terms. A term of office begins on January 1 following the election in November. County Commissioner meetings are typically held on the 1st and 3rd Tuesdays of the month at the County Courthouse in Dover-Foxcroft. The meetings begin at 8:30 a.m. and continue until the agenda for the meeting has been addressed.

County Commissioners:

District 1:Eric P. Ward

District 2:James D. Annis

District 3:Frederick Trask

County Districts:

District 1 includes the towns of Abbot, Beaver Cove, Greenville, Guilford, Kingsbury Plt, Monson, Parkman, Shirley, Wellington and the Unorganized Territories of Blanchard, Elliotsville and Northwest Piscataquis.

District 2 includes the towns of Dover-Foxcroft,  Sangerville and Willimantic.

District 3 includes the towns of Bowerbank, Brownville, Lake View Plt, Medford, Milo, Sebec and the Unorganized Territories of Atkinson, Barnard, Ebeeme, Katahdin Iron Works, Orneville, Williamsburg and Northeast Piscataquis County.

County Commissioner
In the 2012 Piscataquis County Commissioner District 2 election, Republican candidate James Annis received 52% of the vote. Democratic candidate Susan Mackey-Andrews received 48%. In the District 3 election, Republican incumbent Frederick Trask received 50.2% (1,282 votes) and Democratic candidate Donald Crossman received 49.8% (1,271 votes) – a difference of 11 votes, confirmed after a recount.

Governor
In the Maine gubernatorial election, 2010, Republican candidate Paul LePage received the most votes in Piscataquis County with 48.4%. Three Independent candidates ran in this election: Eliot Cutler received the second most Piscatquis votes with 36.5% of the total, Shawn Moody received 3.1% and Kevin Scott, 1%. Democratic candidate, Libby Mitchell received the third most votes in the county with 10.9% of the total. Paul LePage was elected governor.

In the Maine gubernatorial election, 2006, Republican candidate Chandler Woodcock received the most votes in Piscataquis County with 37.7%. Democratic candidate, incumbent governor John Baldacci received 34.5%. Independent candidate Barbara Merrill received 19.7%, Green party candidate Pat LaMarche received 7.4%, and Phillip Morris NaPier received .63% of the Piscataquis vote. John Baldacci was reelected governor.

In the Maine gubernatorial election, 2002, Democratic candidate John Baldacci received the most votes in Piscataquis County with 50.4%. Republican candidate Peter Cianchette received 42.9% of the county vote and Green Party candidate, Jonathan Carter received 5.1%. John Baldacci was elected governor.

In the Maine gubernatorial election, 1998, Independent candidate Angus King received the most votes in Piscataquis County with 50.2%. Republican candidate James Longley, Jr. received 26.6%, Democratic candidate Tom Connolly received 10.7%. Other candidates split 12.5% of the vote. Angus King was elected governor.

US House
Piscataquis County is entirely within Maine's 2nd congressional district, which comprises 80% of the state and is the largest district by land area east of the Mississippi River.

In the United States House of Representatives elections in Maine, 2012, incumbent Democratic candidate Michael Michaud received the most Piscataquis County votes with 53% of the total. Republican candidate, Kevin Raye received 47%. Michael Michaud was reelected to the House.

US Senate
In the United States Senate election in Maine, 2012, Independent candidate and former Maine governor, Angus King received the most votes in Piscataquis County with 45.7% of the vote. Republican candidate, Charlie Summers received 40.1% and Democratic candidate Cynthia Dill received 10.4%. Stephen M. Woods received 136 votes, Andrew I. Dodge received 126 votes and Danny F. Dalton, 76 votes. Angus King was elected to the Senate.

President
In the 2012 United States presidential election, Republican candidate Mitt Romney received the most votes in Piscataquis County with 50.6%. Democratic incumbent Barack Obama received 46.3%. Libertarian candidate Gary Johnson received 1.5% and Green Independent candidate Jill Stein received 1.24%. There were a total of 30 "write in" votes; 29 of these were for Ron Paul and 1 for Rocky Anderson. Barack Obama was reelected President.

Since 2000, Piscataquis County has generally been the most reliably Republican county in Maine, and New England. In 2008, Piscataquis was the only county in New England to vote for John McCain, by a margin of 355 votes or 3.8% over Barack Obama, with Obama winning Maine by a 17.3% margin over McCain. In 2012, Piscataquis was only one of 5 counties in New England to support Republican candidate Mitt Romney, and the only county in Maine to do so. Republican candidate Donald Trump carried the county in 2016 while greatly improving on Romney's performance. He won it again in 2020 with 62% of the vote, marking the first time a Republican presidential candidate won Piscataquis County with over 60% of the vote since Ronald Reagan in 1984.

In 2004, the county was one of only two in Maine to vote for Bush over John Kerry. Bush won by a 9% margin over Kerry, with Kerry winning the state by a virtually even margin over Bush.

In the 2000 U.S. presidential election, George W. Bush carried the county by an 11.9% margin over Al Gore, with Gore carrying the state by a 5.1% margin over Bush.

In 1996, Bill Clinton carried the county with 48.7% of the vote, the first Democrat to do so since 1968.

In the 1992 presidential election, independent Ross Perot won a plurality 36.8% in the county, one of three counties he won in the state.

Towns

 * Abbot
 * Beaver Cove
 * Bowerbank
 * Brownville
 * Dover-Foxcroft (county seat)
 * Greenville
 * Guilford
 * Medford
 * Milo
 * Monson
 * Parkman
 * Sangerville
 * Sebec
 * Shirley
 * Wellington
 * Willimantic

Plantations

 * Kingsbury Plantation
 * Lake View Plantation

Census-designated places

 * Dover-Foxcroft
 * Greenville
 * Guilford
 * Milo

Survey Townships

 * T1-R9 WELS

Unorganized territories

 * Atkinson
 * Blanchard
 * Southeast Piscataquis
 * Northeast Piscataquis
 * Northwest Piscataquis

Notable people

 * Berenice Abbott, photographer
 * David Mallett, singer-songwriter
 * Sir Hiram Stevens Maxim, inventor
 * Sir Harry Oakes, philanthropist
 * Roxanne Quimby, businesswoman
 * Max Schubel, composer
 * Oswald Tippo, botanist

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

title: Piscataquis County, Maine


text:
James Stirling (mathematician)

James Stirling (11 May O.S. 1692, Garden, Stirlingshire – 5 December 1770, Edinburgh) was a Scottish mathematician. He was nicknamed "The Venetian".

The Stirling numbers, Stirling permutations, and Stirling's approximation are named after him. He also proved the correctness of Isaac Newton's classification of cubic plane curves.

Biography
Stirling was born on 11 May 1692 O.S. at Garden House near Stirling, the third son of Archibald Stirling (1651-1715) and Anna Hamilton, and grandson of Archibald Stirling, Lord Garden, (1617-1668).

At 18 years of age he went to Balliol College, Oxford, where, chiefly through the influence of the Earl of Mar, he was nominated in 1711 to be one of Bishop Warner's exhibitioners (or Snell exhibitioner) at Balliol. In 1715 he was expelled on account of his correspondence with his cousins, who were members of the Keir and Garden families, who were noted Jacobites, and had been accessory to the "Gathering of the Brig o' Turk" in 1708.

From Oxford he made his way to Venice, where he occupied himself as a professor of mathematics. In 1717 appeared his ''Lineae tertii ordinis Newtonianae, sive. . .'' (8vo, Oxford). While in Venice, also, he communicated, through Isaac Newton, to the Royal Society a paper entitled "Methodus differentialis Newtoniana illustrata" (Phil. Trans., 1718). Fearing assassination on account of having discovered a trade secret of the glassmakers of Venice, he returned with Newton's help to London about the year 1725.

In London he remained for ten years, being most part of the time connected with an academy in Tower Street, and devoting his leisure to mathematics and correspondence with eminent mathematicians. In 1730 his most important work was published, the Methodus differentialis, sive tractatus de summatione et interpolatione serierum infinitarum (4to, London), which is something more than an expansion of the paper of 1718. In 1735, he communicated to the Royal Society a paper "On the Figure of the Earth, and on the Variation of the Force of Gravity at its Surface."

In the same year he was appointed manager for the Scots Mining Company at Leadhills, where the Scots Mining Company House was built for him in 1736. His next paper to the Royal Society was concerned, not with pure but with applied sciences; specifically, a trompe, i.e., a water-powered air compressor that was used by a Scottish lead mine. His name is also connected with another practical undertaking, since grown to vast dimensions. The accounts of the city of Glasgow for 1752 show that the very first instalment of ten million sterling spent in making Glasgow a seaport (a sum of £28, 4s. 4d.), was for a silver tea-kettle to be presented to "James Stirling, mathematician, for his service, pains, and trouble in surveying the river towards deepening it by locks."

Another edition of the Lineae tertii ordinis was published in Paris in 1797; another edition of the Methodus differentialis in London in 1764; and a translation of the latter into English by Halliday in London in 1749. A considerable collection of literary remains, consisting of papers, letters and two manuscript volumes of a treatise on weights and measures, are still preserved at Garden.

title: James Stirling (mathematician)


text:
Penobscot County, Maine

Penobscot County is a county in the U.S. state of Maine, named for the Penobscot people in Wabanakik. As of the 2020 census, the population was 152,199, making it the third-most-populous county in Maine. Its county seat is Bangor. The county was established on February 15, 1816, from part of Hancock County when the area was still part of Massachusetts. Penobscot County is home to the University of Maine.

Penobscot County comprises the Bangor, ME Metropolitan Statistical Area.

Geography
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the county has an area of 3557 sqmi, of which 3397 sqmi is land and 160 sqmi (4.5%) is water. The county highpoint is East Turner Mountain at 2456 ft next to Baxter State Park.

Adjacent counties

 * Aroostook County – north
 * Washington County – southeast
 * Hancock County – south
 * Waldo County – southwest
 * Somerset County – west
 * Piscataquis County – northwest

National protected area

 * Sunkhaze Meadows National Wildlife Refuge

2000 census
At the 2000 census there were 144,919 people, 58,096 households, and 37,820 families living in the county. The population density was 43 /mi2. There were 66,847 housing units at an average density of 20 /mi2. The county's racial makeup was 96.60% White, 0.49% Black or African American, 1.00% Native American, 0.70% Asian, 0.03% Pacific Islander, 0.23% from other races, and 0.96% from two or more races. 0.61% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race. 17.8% were of English, 17.3% United States or American, 14.0% French, 13.0% Irish and 6.7% French Canadian ancestry. 95.8% spoke English and 2.3% French as their first language. There were 58,096 households, of which 30.10% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 51.50% were married couples living together, 9.90% had a female householder with no husband present, and 34.90% were non-families. 26.70% of households were one person and 10.00% were one person aged 65 or older. The average household size was 2.38 and the average family size was 2.88.

The age distribution was 22.80% under the age of 18, 11.30% from 18 to 24, 29.00% from 25 to 44, 23.80% from 45 to 64, and 13.10% 65 or older. The median age was 37 years. For every 100 females there were 95.30 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 92.30 males.

The median household income was $34,274 and the median family income was $42,206. Males had a median income of $32,824 versus $23,346 for females. The per capita income for the county was $17,801. About 9.70% of families and 13.70% of the population were below the poverty line, including 15.00% of those under age 18 and 11.10% of those age 65 or over.

2010 census
At the 2010 census, there were 153,923 people, 62,966 households, and 38,917 families living in the county. The population density was 45.3 PD/sqmi. There were 73,860 housing units at an average density of 21.7 /mi2. The county's racial makeup was 95.4% white, 1.2% American Indian, 0.9% Asian, 0.8% black or African American, 0.2% from other races, and 1.5% from two or more races. Those of Hispanic or Latino origin made up 1.1% of the population. In terms of ancestry, 20.9% were English, 17.2% were Irish, 9.4% were American, 7.1% were German, 6.0% were French Canadian, and 5.9% were Scottish.

Of the 62,966 households, 27.5% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 47.1% were married couples living together, 10.3% had a female householder with no husband present, 38.2% were non-families, and 28.0% of households were made up of individuals. The average household size was 2.33 and the average family size was 2.82. The median age was 39.9 years.

The county's median household income was $42,658 and the median family income was $54,271. Males had a median income of $41,094 versus $31,910 for females. The county's per capita income was $22,977. About 10.1% of families and 15.7% of the population were below the poverty line, including 20.4% of those under age 18 and 9.2% of those age 65 or over.

Politics
As the most populous county in Maine's 2nd congressional district, Penobscot County's support for Donald Trump in 2016 helped deliver him a split electoral vote from Maine. It was the first time since 1828 that Maine split its electoral votes.

Voter registration

 * }

Cities

 * Bangor (county seat)
 * Brewer
 * Old Town

Towns

 * Alton
 * Bradford
 * Bradley
 * Burlington
 * Carmel
 * Charleston
 * Chester
 * Clifton
 * Corinna
 * Corinth
 * Dexter
 * Dixmont
 * East Millinocket
 * Eddington
 * Edinburg
 * Enfield
 * Etna
 * Exeter
 * Garland
 * Glenburn
 * Greenbush
 * Hampden
 * Hermon
 * Holden
 * Howland
 * Hudson
 * Kenduskeag
 * Lagrange
 * Lakeville
 * Lee
 * Levant
 * Lincoln
 * Lowell
 * Mattawamkeag
 * Maxfield
 * Medway
 * Milford
 * Millinocket
 * Mount Chase
 * Newburgh
 * Newport
 * Orono
 * Orrington
 * Passadumkeag
 * Patten
 * Plymouth
 * Springfield
 * Stacyville
 * Stetson
 * Veazie
 * Winn
 * Woodville

Plantations

 * Carroll Plantation
 * Drew Plantation
 * Seboeis Plantation
 * Webster Plantation

Census-designated places

 * Bradley
 * Corinna
 * Dexter
 * East Millinocket
 * Hampden
 * Howland
 * Lincoln
 * Mattawamkeag
 * Milford
 * Millinocket
 * Newport
 * Orono
 * Patten

Unorganized territories

 * Argyle
 * East Central Penobscot
 * Kingman
 * North Penobscot
 * Prentiss
 * Twombly Ridge
 * Whitney

Indian reservation

 * Penobscot Indian Island Reservation

Education
School districts include:

 * Bangor School District
 * Brewer School District
 * Burlington Public Schools
 * Carroll Plantation School District
 * Drew Plantation School District
 * East Millinocket School District
 * Glenburn School District
 * Greenbush School District
 * Indian Island School District
 * Hermon School District
 * Lakeville School District
 * Lowell School District
 * Medway School District
 * Milford School District
 * Millinocket School Department
 * Orrington School District
 * Regional School Unit 19
 * Regional School Unit 22
 * Regional School Unit 26
 * Regional School Unit 34
 * Regional School Unit 89
 * School Administrative District 23
 * School Administrative District 30
 * School Administrative District 31
 * School Administrative District 41
 * School Administrative District 46
 * School Administrative District 63
 * School Administrative District 64
 * School Administrative District 67
 * School Administrative District 68
 * Seboeis Plantation School District
 * Veazie School District
 * Woodville School District
 * Penobscot Unorganized Territory

University of Maine is in Orono.

title: Penobscot County, Maine


text:
Oxford County, Maine

Oxford County is a county in the state of Maine, United States. As of the 2020 Census, the county had a population of 57,777. Its county seat is the town of Paris. The county was formed on March 4, 1805, by the Massachusetts General Court in the Maine District from northerly portions of York and Cumberland counties. It borders the Canadian province of Quebec. Part of Oxford County is included in the Lewiston-Auburn, Maine metropolitan New England City and Town Area while a different part of Oxford County is included in the Portland-South Portland-Biddeford, Maine metropolitan New England City and Town Area.

Geography
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 2176 sqmi, of which 2077 sqmi is land and 99 sqmi (4.5%) is water.

Adjacent counties and municipalities

 * Franklin County – northeast
 * Androscoggin County – east
 * Cumberland County – southeast
 * York County – south
 * Carroll County, New Hampshire – southwest
 * Coös County, New Hampshire – west
 * Le Granit Regional County Municipality, Quebec – north

National protected areas

 * Umbagog National Wildlife Refuge (part)
 * White Mountain National Forest (part)

Ancestries
As of 2015, the largest self-reported ancestry groups in Oxford County, Maine were:

2000 census
At the 2000 census there were 54,755 people, 22,314 households, and 15,173 families living in the county. The population density was 26 /mi2. There were 32,295 housing units at an average density of 16 /mi2. The racial makeup of the county was 98.25% White, 0.17% Black or African American, 0.28% Native American, 0.37% Asian, 0.02% Pacific Islander, 0.11% from other races, and 0.80% from two or more races. 0.53% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race. 23.6% were of English, 13.9% French, 13.7% United States or American, 10.1% Irish and 8.4% French Canadian ancestry according to Census 2000. 95.9% spoke English and 2.6% French as their first language. Of the 22,314 households 30.40% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 54.10% were married couples living together, 9.50% had a female householder with no husband present, and 32.00% were non-families. 25.60% of households were one person and 11.00% were one person aged 65 or older. The average household size was 2.42 and the average family size was 2.87.

The age distribution was 24.20% under the age of 18, 6.50% from 18 to 24, 27.80% from 25 to 44, 25.50% from 45 to 64, and 16.10% 65 or older. The median age was 40 years. For every 100 females there were 95.40 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 93.70 males.

The median household income was $33,435 and the median family income was $39,794. Males had a median income of $30,641 versus $21,233 for females. The per capita income for the county was $16,945. About 8.30% of families and 11.80% of the population were below the poverty line, including 14.80% of those under age 18 and 10.10% of those age 65 or over.

2010 census
At the 2010 census, there were 57,833 people, 24,300 households, and 15,781 families living in the county. The population density was 27.8 PD/sqmi. There were 36,055 housing units at an average density of 17.4 /mi2. The racial makeup of the county was 96.8% white, 0.6% Asian, 0.4% American Indian, 0.4% black or African American, 0.3% from other races, and 1.5% from two or more races. Those of Hispanic or Latino origin made up 1.0% of the population. In terms of ancestry, 23.6% were English, 14.8% were Irish, 8.2% were American, 6.4% were German, and 5.6% were French Canadian.

Of the 24,300 households, 28.1% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 49.0% were married couples living together, 10.4% had a female householder with no husband present, 35.1% were non-families, and 27.1% of households were made up of individuals. The average household size was 2.35 and the average family size was 2.81. The median age was 44.6 years.

The median household income was $39,748 and the median family income was $48,000. Males had a median income of $37,892 versus $30,187 for females. The per capita income for the county was $21,254. About 9.6% of families and 13.2% of the population were below the poverty line, including 17.6% of those under age 18 and 12.2% of those age 65 or over.

Voter registration
From 1880 to 1988, Oxford County was dominated by the Republican Party in presidential elections, only failing to back a Republican candidate in 1912, 1964, and 1968. The county flipped in 1992 to become consistently Democratic like the rest of Maine, staying that way until 2012. However, it made a 27.8 point swing (the largest statewide) to back Republican Donald Trump in 2016 as he won Maine's second congressional district containing the county.

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Recreation
Oxford County is home to many summer camps. Some of these camps are Camp Wekeela, Kamp Kohut, Camp Wyonegonic, Forest Acres Camp for Girls and Maine Teen Camp.

Towns

 * Andover
 * Bethel
 * Brownfield
 * Buckfield
 * Byron
 * Canton
 * Denmark
 * Dixfield
 * Fryeburg
 * Gilead
 * Greenwood
 * Hanover
 * Hartford
 * Hebron
 * Hiram
 * Lincoln Plantation
 * Lovell
 * Mexico
 * Newry
 * Norway
 * Otisfield
 * Oxford
 * Paris (county seat)
 * Peru
 * Porter
 * Roxbury
 * Rumford
 * Stoneham
 * Stow
 * Sumner
 * Sweden
 * Upton
 * Waterford
 * West Paris
 * Woodstock

Unorganized territories

 * North Oxford
 * South Oxford
 * Milton

Census-designated places

 * Bethel
 * Dixfield
 * Fryeburg
 * Kezar Falls
 * Mexico
 * Norway
 * Oxford
 * Rumford
 * South Paris

Other unincorporated communities

 * Center Lovell
 * Dickvale
 * Magalloway
 * North Waterford
 * Waterford Flat

title: Oxford County, Maine


text:
Lincoln County, Maine

Lincoln County is a county located in the U.S. state of Maine. As of the 2020 census, the population was 35,237. Its seat is Wiscasset. The county was founded in 1760 by the Massachusetts General Court from a portion of York County, Massachusetts and named after the English city Lincoln, the birthplace of Massachusetts Bay Provincial Governor Thomas Pownall.

At its founding, Lincoln County accounted for three-fifths of the state's land, and stretched east to Nova Scotia. Thirteen counties were cut out of this land including Sagadahoc County to the west and a portion of Kennebec County to the north. The county flag is a traditional New England flag, adopted in 1977.

Geography

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 700 sqmi, of which 456 sqmi is land and 244 sqmi (35%) is water. It is the third-smallest county in Maine by area.

Adjacent counties

 * Kennebec County — north
 * Waldo County — northeast
 * Knox County — east
 * Sagadahoc County — west

2000 census
As of the 2000 census, there were 14,158 households, and 9,542 families living in the county. The population density was 74 /mi2. There were 20,849 housing units at an average density of 46 /mi2. The racial makeup of the county was 98.46% White, 0.17% Black or African American, 0.26% Native American, 0.37% Asian, 0.02% Pacific Islander, 0.10% from other races, and 0.61% from two or more races. 0.46% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race. 25.3% were of English, 15.4% United States or American, 11.2% Irish, 9.0% German and 7.3% French ancestry. Most of those claiming to be of "American" ancestry are actually of English descent, but have family that has been in the country for so long, in many cases since the early seventeenth century that they choose to identify simply as "American". 97.7% spoke English and 1.0% French as their first language.

There were 14,158 households, out of which 28.20% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 56.10% were married couples living together, 7.70% had a female householder with no husband present, and 32.60% were non-families. 26.70% of all households were made up of individuals, and 12.10% 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 2.82.

In the county, the population was spread out, with 22.70% under the age of 18, 5.50% from 18 to 24, 25.60% from 25 to 44, 28.10% from 45 to 64, and 18.20% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 43 years. For every 100 females there were 95.10 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 92.00 males.

The median income for a household in the county was $38,686, and the median income for a family was $45,427. Males had a median income of $31,209 versus $23,161 for females. The per capita income for the county was $20,760. About 6.60% of families and 10.10% of the population were below the poverty line, including 12.80% of those under age 18 and 9.50% of those age 65 or over.

2010 census
As of the 2010 United States census, there were 34,457 people, 15,149 households, and 9,749 families living in the county. The population density was 75.6 PD/sqmi. There were 23,493 housing units at an average density of 51.5 /mi2. The racial makeup of the county was 97.6% white, 0.5% Asian, 0.3% American Indian, 0.3% black or African American, 0.1% from other races, and 1.1% from two or more races. Those of Hispanic or Latino origin made up 0.8% of the population. In terms of ancestry, 30.4% were English, 17.7% were Irish, 13.4% were German, 8.6% were Scottish, and 8.5% were American.

Of the 15,149 households, 24.7% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 51.6% were married couples living together, 8.8% had a female householder with no husband present, 35.6% were non-families, and 28.9% of all households were made up of individuals. The average household size was 2.24 and the average family size was 2.72. The median age was 48.1 years.

The median income for a household in the county was $47,678 and the median income for a family was $58,028. Males had a median income of $40,816 versus $31,473 for females. The per capita income for the county was $28,003. About 7.7% of families and 10.8% of the population were below the poverty line, including 16.2% of those under age 18 and 9.9% of those age 65 or over.

Voter registration

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Towns

 * Alna
 * Boothbay
 * Boothbay Harbor
 * Bremen
 * Bristol
 * Damariscotta
 * Dresden
 * Edgecomb
 * Jefferson
 * Newcastle
 * Nobleboro
 * Somerville
 * South Bristol
 * Southport
 * Waldoboro
 * Westport Island
 * Whitefield
 * Wiscasset

Plantations

 * Monhegan

Unorganized Territories

 * Hibberts Gore
 * Louds Island

Census-designated places

 * Boothbay Harbor
 * Damariscotta
 * Newcastle
 * Waldoboro
 * Wiscasset

Transportation
U.S. Route 1 passes through the county in a northeast–southwest fashion. North-south Maine state routes, notably Maine 27, Maine 129, Maine 130 and Maine 32 travel north to the interior of the county and south to the peninsulas by the coast.

Until 1958, the Maine Central Railroad ran passenger trains from Portland, along the Rockland Branch from Brunswick to Rockland to the east, three trains a day on days besides Sunday and fewer trains on Sunday. Stations consisted of Wiscasset, Newcastle, Damariscotta Mills, Nobleboro, Winslow Mills and Waldoboro. In Portland's Union Station, these trains made connections to trains to Boston, New York City, Bangor and the Canadian Maritimes. In the final months, service diminished to one daily except Sunday trip in each direction, until finally discontinuing on April 4, 1959.

From 2003 to 2015, the Maine Eastern Railroad offered seasonal excursion service to Rockland, Maine which connected to Amtrak's Downeaster at Brunswick. In October 2017, the Northern New England Passenger Rail Authority announced plans to extend one weekend Downeaster round trip to Rockland between Memorial Day and Labor Day beginning in 2018. Intermediate stops would be made at Bath, Wiscasset, and Newcastle. As part of preparation, Amtrak, along with the Northern New England Passenger Rail Authority, Maine Department of Transportation and the Central Maine and & Quebec Railroad, made a test run of a train on August 14.

title: Lincoln County, Maine


text:
Knox County, Maine

Knox County is a county located in the state of Maine, United States. As of the 2020 census, the population was 40,607. Its county seat is Rockland. The county is named for Revolutionary War general and Secretary of War Henry Knox, who lived in the county from 1795 until his death in 1806. The county was established on April 1, 1860, and is the most recent county to be created in Maine. It was carved from parts of Waldo and Lincoln counties. The Union Fair, started in 1868, began as the efforts of the North Knox Agricultural and Horticultural Society.

Geography
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 1144 sqmi, of which 365 sqmi is land and 779 sqmi (68%) is water. It is the second-smallest county in Maine by land area. It was originally part of the Waldo Patent.

Adjacent counties

 * Lincoln County – west
 * Waldo County – north
 * Hancock County – northeast

National protected areas

 * Franklin Island National Wildlife Refuge
 * Seal Island National Wildlife Refuge

2000 census
At the 2000 census there were 39,618 people, 16,608 households, and 10,728 families living in the county. The population density was 108 /mi2. There were 21,612 housing units at an average density of 59 /mi2. The racial makeup of the county was 98.28% White, 0.24% Black or African American, 0.22% Native American, 0.36% Asian, 0.01% Pacific Islander, 0.12% from other races, and 0.78% from two or more races. 0.57% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race. 25.4% were of English, 12.2% Irish, 11.7% United States or American, 7.5% German and 5.7% French ancestry. 97.1% spoke English and 1.5% French as their first language. Of the 16,608 households 28.30% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 52.20% were married couples living together, 9.00% had a female householder with no husband present, and 35.40% were non-families. 29.00% of households were one person and 12.70% were one person aged 65 or older. The average household size was 2.31 and the average family size was 2.83.

The age distribution was 22.40% under the age of 18, 6.30% from 18 to 24, 27.40% from 25 to 44, 26.70% from 45 to 64, and 17.20% 65 or older. The median age was 41 years. For every 100 females there were 95.20 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 93.00 males.

The median household income was $36,774 and the median family income was $43,819. Males had a median income of $30,704 versus $22,382 for females. The per capita income for the county was $19,981. About 6.40% of families and 10.10% of the population were below the poverty line, including 11.90% of those under age 18 and 8.00% of those age 65 or over.

2010 census
At the 2010 census, there were 39,736 people, 17,258 households, and 10,662 families living in the county. The population density was 108.8 PD/sqmi. There were 23,744 housing units at an average density of 65.0 /mi2. The racial makeup of the county was 97.1% white, 0.5% black or African American, 0.5% Asian, 0.4% American Indian, 0.2% from other races, and 1.4% from two or more races. Those of Hispanic or Latino origin made up 0.8% of the population. In terms of ancestry, 31.3% were English, 19.0% were Irish, 12.8% were German, 6.9% were Scottish, and 5.9% were American.

Of the 17,258 households, 25.4% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 48.2% were married couples living together, 9.4% had a female householder with no husband present, 38.2% were non-families, and 31.0% of households were made up of individuals. The average household size was 2.22 and the average family size was 2.75. The median age was 46.2 years.

The median household income was $45,264 and the median family income was $55,830. Males had a median income of $40,712 versus $29,732 for females. The per capita income for the county was $25,291. About 7.9% of families and 12.5% of the population were below the poverty line, including 16.5% of those under age 18 and 9.8% of those age 65 or over.

Politics
In 2012, Knox County voted 55% in favor of a measure to legalize same-sex marriage.

Voter registration

 * }

City

 * Rockland (county seat)

Towns

 * Appleton
 * Camden
 * Cushing
 * Friendship
 * Hope
 * Isle au Haut
 * North Haven
 * Owls Head
 * Rockland
 * Rockport
 * Saint George
 * South Thomaston
 * Thomaston
 * Union
 * Vinalhaven
 * Warren
 * Washington

Plantation

 * Matinicus Isle

Unorganized territories

 * Criehaven
 * Muscle Ridge Islands

Census-designated places

 * Camden
 * Thomaston

Other unincorporated villages

 * Glen Cove
 * Hibberts Corner
 * Port Clyde
 * West Rockport

Public buildings
An addition to the Knox County Courthouse designed by Scott Simons Architects was completed in 2005. It is connected to an annex built in 1977 that is adjacent to the historic, original building that was finished in 1874.

title: Knox County, Maine


text:
Kennebec County, Maine

Kennebec County is a county located in the South-central portion of the U.S. state of Maine. At the 2020 census, the population was 123,642. Its county seat is Augusta, the state capital. The county was established on February 20, 1799, from portions of Cumberland and Lincoln Counties. The name Kennebec comes from the Eastern Abenaki /kínipekʷ/, meaning "large body of still water, large bay."

Kennebec County comprises the Augusta–Waterville, ME Micropolitan Statistical Area.

In 2010, the center of population of Maine was in Kennebec County, in the city of Augusta.

Geography
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 951 sqmi, of which 868 sqmi is land and 84 sqmi (8.8%) is water.

The county is nearly bisected by the Kennebec River, which also forms parts of the county line in the north and south of the county. The county is also dotted by many lakes and ponds, as well as the Kennebec Highlands in the northwest part of the county.

Adjacent counties

 * Somerset County – north
 * Waldo County – east
 * Sagadahoc County – south
 * Lincoln County – south
 * Androscoggin County – southwest
 * Franklin County – northwest

2000 census
As of the census of 2000, there were 117,114 people, 47,683 households, and 31,327 families living in the county. The population density was 135 /mi2. There were 56,364 housing units at an average density of 65 /mi2. The racial makeup of the county was 97.45% White, 0.34% Black or African American, 0.40% Native American, 0.59% Asian, 0.02% Pacific Islander, 0.18% from other races, and 1.02% from two or more races. 0.73% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race. 20.6% were of English, 17.4% French, 13.4% French Canadian, 10.9% United States or American and 9.9% Irish ancestry. 92.5% spoke only English at home, while 5.48% spoke French.

There were 47,683 households, out of which 31.20% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 51.60% were married couples living together, 10.00% had a female householder with no husband present, and 34.30% were non-families. 27.60% of all households were made up of individuals, and 10.60% 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 2.89.

In the county, the population was spread out, with 23.80% under the age of 18, 8.50% from 18 to 24, 28.60% from 25 to 44, 24.90% from 45 to 64, and 14.20% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 39 years. For every 100 females there were 94.00 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 90.80 males.

The median income for a household in the county was $36,498, and the median income for a family was $43,814. Males had a median income of $32,279 versus $24,032 for females. The per capita income for the county was $18,520. About 8.50% of families and 11.10% of the population were below the poverty line, including 13.20% of those under age 18 and 10.20% of those age 65 or over.

2010 census
As of the 2010 United States Census, there were 122,151 people, 51,128 households, and 32,368 families living in the county. The population density was 140.8 PD/sqmi. There were 60,972 housing units at an average density of 70.3 /mi2. The racial makeup of the county was % from other races, and % from two or more races. Those of Hispanic or Latino origin made up % of the population. In terms of ancestry, 24.2% were English, 17.0% were Irish, 8.3% were German, 7.7% were French Canadian, 5.7% were American, and 5.4% were Scottish.

The median income for a household in the county was $45,973 and the median income for a family was $56,853. Males had a median income of $42,176 versus $32,471 for females. The per capita income for the county was $24,656. About 7.8% of families and 12.5% of the population were below the poverty line, including 16.9% of those under age 18 and 9.6% of those age 65 or over.

Micropolitan statistical area
The United States Office of Management and Budget has designated Kennebec County as the Augusta–Waterville, ME Micropolitan Statistical Area (μSA). As of the 2010 U.S. Census the micropolitan area ranked the most populous in the State of Maine and also the only micropolitan area within the state. The area also ranks 14th most populous in the United States with a population of 125,540 as of July 2022.

Economy
Kennebec County's economy has traditionally been industrial. A large amount of paper and textiles were produced, and mills sprung up along the Kennebec river. The median household income is $36,498. The unemployment rate is 4.2%.

Education
There are three colleges: Colby College and Thomas College (both in Waterville), and the University of Maine at Augusta. There are 19 school districts (however, 4 are consolidated ones). In China Maine, there is no public high school, but a private school (Erskine Academy) exists, and the town pays for students tuition if they choose to attend. Students from Vassalboro can pick from one of four school districts (Cony in Augusta, Erskine, Winslow, or Waterville). However, many towns have local public high schools.

K-12 school districts include:

 * Augusta School District
 * Fayette School District
 * Vassalboro School District
 * Waterville School District
 * Winslow School District
 * Winthrop School District
 * Regional School Unit 02
 * Regional School Unit 04
 * Regional School Unit 18
 * Regional School Unit 12
 * Regional School Unit 38
 * School Administrative District 09
 * School Administrative District 11
 * School Administrative District 49
 * Kennebec Unorganized Territory

Politics
Kennebec County has consistently voted for Democrats in recent elections, until 2016 when it voted for Donald Trump, the first time since 1988. While the more rural areas support the Republican Party, the urban areas are strongly Democratic. Kennebec County is the only county in Maine that is split between Maine's two congressional districts. The larger, southern portion of the county is in the 1st Congressional District, while the northern, smaller portion is in the 2nd Congressional District.

Voter registration

 * }

Cities

 * Augusta (county seat)
 * Gardiner
 * Hallowell
 * Waterville

Towns

 * Albion
 * Belgrade
 * Benton
 * Chelsea
 * China
 * Clinton
 * Farmingdale
 * Fayette
 * Litchfield
 * Manchester
 * Monmouth
 * Mount Vernon
 * Oakland
 * Pittston
 * Randolph
 * Readfield
 * Rome
 * Sidney
 * Vassalboro
 * Vienna
 * Wayne
 * West Gardiner
 * Windsor
 * Winslow
 * Winthrop

Unorganized territory

 * Unity

Census-designated places

 * Clinton
 * Farmingdale
 * Oakland
 * Winthrop

Other unincorporated villages

 * China Village
 * East Vassalboro
 * East Winthrop
 * Libby Hill
 * North Monmouth
 * North Vassalboro
 * South China

title: Kennebec County, Maine


text:
Hancock County, Maine

Hancock County is a county located in the U.S. state of Maine. As of the 2020 census, the population was 55,478. Its county seat is Ellsworth. The county was incorporated on June 25, 1789, and named for John Hancock, the first governor of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

Geography
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 2345 sqmi, of which 1587 sqmi is land and 758 sqmi (32%) is water. The county high point is Cadillac Mountain, 1527 feet, the highest summit on the U.S. Atlantic seaboard.

The county is home to Acadia National Park, the only national park in New England, which is centered on Mount Desert Island, Maine's largest island and surrounded by several large bays. The county also lies on the eastern side of both Penobscot Bay and the mouth of the Penobscot River, which can be crossed via the Penobscot Narrows Bridge. The county extends inland from the coast, making it one of Maine's eight coastal counties.

Adjacent counties

 * Penobscot County — north
 * Washington County — northeast
 * Waldo County — west
 * Knox County — southwest

2000 census
As of the census of 2000, there were 51,791 people, 21,864 households, and 14,233 families living in the county. The population density was 33 /mi2. There were 33,945 housing units at an average density of 21 /mi2. The racial makeup of the county was 97.61% White, 0.25% Black or African American, 0.37% Native American, 0.38% Asian, 0.03% Pacific Islander, 0.20% from other races, and 1.15% from two or more races. 0.65% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race.

The largest ancestry groups in Hancock County, Maine according to the 2000 census are:
 * 24.6% English
 * 16.6% American
 * 11.9% Irish
 * 6.6% French
 * 6.1% German

96.8% spoke English, 1.5% French and 1.0% Spanish as their first language.

There were 21,864 households, out of which 28.20% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 53.50% were married couples living together, 8.10% had a female householder with no husband present, and 34.90% were non-families. 27.90% of all households were made up of individuals, and 11.60% 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 2.81.

In the county, the population was spread out, with 22.30% under the age of 18, 7.40% from 18 to 24, 27.50% from 25 to 44, 26.80% from 45 to 64, and 16.00% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 41 years. For every 100 females there were 95.70 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 92.10 males.

The median income for a household in the county was $35,811, and the median income for a family was $43,216. Males had a median income of $30,461 versus $22,647 for females. The per capita income for the county was $19,809. About 7.00% of families and 10.20% of the population were below the poverty line, including 11.90% of those under age 18 and 9.50% of those age 65 or over.

The 1990 Census counted 46,948, though the 1998 population estimate is 49,932.1 The gender division was 22,996 males, 23,952 females in 1989. Ninety-nine percent of the population was white (46,446), 121 American Indians, 249 Asians, 79 Blacks and 52 "other"

Sixty-six percent of the population of Hancock County are Mainers by birth, three percent were born outside the US.

Of the 31,475 persons over 25 years old, 83% (26,214) had a high school degree or higher. Twenty-one percent had a bachelor's degree or higher.

2010 census
As of the 2010 United States census, there were 54,418 people, 24,221 households, and 14,834 families living in the county. The population density was 34.3 PD/sqmi. There were 40,184 housing units at an average density of 25.3 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the county was 96.9% white, 0.8% Asian, 0.4% American Indian, 0.4% black or African American, 0.3% from other races, and 1.2% from two or more races. Those of Hispanic or Latino origin made up 1.1% of the population. In terms of ancestry, 24.0% were English, 19.8% were American, 15.2% were Irish, 9.0% were German, and 7.2% were Scottish.

Of the 24,221 households, 24.4% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 48.9% were married couples living together, 8.2% had a female householder with no husband present, 38.8% were non-families, and 30.3% of all households were made up of individuals. The average household size was 2.20 and the average family size was 2.71. The median age was 46.3 years.

The median income for a household in the county was $47,533 and the median income for a family was $60,092. Males had a median income of $41,046 versus $32,444 for females. The per capita income for the county was $26,876. About 6.8% of families and 11.5% of the population were below the poverty line, including 17.2% of those under age 18 and 7.3% of those age 65 or over.

Economy
Of employed persons 16 years and over in 1990, 1,108 indicated involvement in the "agriculture, forestry and fisheries" industry, though 1,206 indicated "farming, forestry and fishing occupations." The U.S. Census data are not dependable for determining the numbers of individuals involved in the fishing industry. Only firms with 10 or more employees must report their numbers, as well as firms paying workmen's compensation insurance. Because the majority of fishermen in Maine are considered self-employed, the statistics underreport fishing employment.

Cranberry Isles, Deer Isle, Frenchboro, Gouldsboro, Southwest Harbor, Stonington, Swans Island and Tremont (Bass Harbor) were identified by a key respondent as fisheries dependent. Bar Harbor, Brooklin, Brooksville, Hancock, Lamoine, Mount Desert, Penobscot, Sedgwick, Sorrento and Sullivan were also noted as having either significant fishing activity or a significant number of people who fish. Winter Harbor's fishing activities were once dwarfed by the economic activity associated with a naval base, but now that the naval base has closed, fishing activity will most likely be the dominant economic activity in the community. Salmon farming is also popular in the area and Maine Salmon is an important export.

Hancock County has the longest coastline of any Maine county. Commercial fishing and tourism are the county's most important industries. Hancock County is home to Acadia National Park (the only national park in Maine or the New England region, excluding the national sea shore on Cape Cod) and Cadillac Mountain (the highest point in Maine's coastal region). Jackson Laboratory, noted for cancer research, is located in Bar Harbor. Two institutions of higher education are located in Hancock County: Maine Maritime Academy at Castine and the College of the Atlantic at Bar Harbor.

Air pollution
The American Lung Association issues annual State of the Air reports. Their current score card gives Hancock county an "F" for ozone pollution, the only Maine county to receive an F score.

Government and politics
The county's Commissioners are William F. Clark, John Wombacher and Paul Paradis.

From 1856 to 1988, Hancock County was a Republican stronghold, with Democrats only carrying the county in three of the 34 presidential elections. Since then, Democrats carried the county every time, although George W. Bush came within one percent of taking the county in 2000.

Voter registration

 * }

City

 * Ellsworth (county seat)

Towns

 * Amherst
 * Aurora
 * Bar Harbor
 * Blue Hill
 * Brooklin
 * Brooksville
 * Bucksport
 * Castine
 * Cranberry Isles
 * Dedham
 * Deer Isle
 * Eastbrook
 * Franklin
 * Frenchboro
 * Gouldsboro
 * Great Pond
 * Hancock
 * Lamoine
 * Mariaville
 * Mount Desert
 * Orland
 * Osborn
 * Otis
 * Penobscot
 * Sedgwick
 * Sorrento
 * Southwest Harbor
 * Stonington
 * Sullivan
 * Surry
 * Swan's Island
 * Tremont
 * Trenton
 * Verona Island
 * Waltham
 * Winter Harbor

Unorganized territories

 * Central Hancock
 * East Hancock
 * Northwest Hancock

Census-designated places

 * Bar Harbor
 * Blue Hill
 * Bucksport
 * Castine
 * Southwest Harbor
 * Winter Harbor

Other unincorporated villages

 * Bass Harbor
 * Bernard
 * Corea
 * East Blue Hill
 * East Orland
 * Harborside
 * Hulls Cove
 * Islesford
 * Manset
 * Minturn
 * Northeast Harbor
 * Prospect Harbor
 * Salisbury Cove
 * Sargentville
 * Seal Cove
 * Seal Harbor
 * Somesville
 * Enoch's Landing
 * Sunset
 * Town Hill

Education
School districts include:

K-12:

 * Airline Community School District
 * Blue Hill School District
 * Brooklin School District
 * Brooksville School District
 * Castine School District
 * Cranberry Isles School District
 * Dedham School District
 * Deer Isle-Stonington Community School District
 * Ellsworth Public Schools
 * Hancock Public Schools
 * Frenchboro School District
 * Lamoine Public Schools
 * Otis School District
 * Penobscot School District
 * Sedgwick School District
 * Surry School District
 * Trenton School District
 * Regional School Unit 24
 * Regional School Unit 25
 * School Administrative District 76
 * Hancock Unorganized Territory

Secondary:
 * Mount Desert Community School District

Elementary:
 * Bar Harbor School District
 * Mount Desert School District
 * Southwest Harbor School District
 * Tremont School District

title: Hancock County, Maine


text:
Franklin County, Maine

Franklin County is a county located in the state of Maine, United States. As of the 2020 census, the population was 29,456, making it the second-least populous county in Maine. Its county seat is Farmington. The county was established on May 9, 1838, and named for Benjamin Franklin.

History
Franklin County was formed on May 9, 1838, from portions of Kennebec, Oxford and Somerset counties. Smaller adjustments were made during the following fourteen years.

Geography
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 1743 sqmi, of which 1697 sqmi is land and 47 sqmi (2.7%) is water. The county is crossed by some of the northernmost parts of the Appalachian Mountain range, with the terrain also including several lakes and ponds, including Rangely Lake, the Chain of Ponds and part of Mooselookmegantic Lake. The county high point is Sugarloaf Mountain, the ski mountain in Carrabassett Valley whose elevation is 4237 feet.

Adjacent counties and municipalities

 * Somerset County – northeast
 * Kennebec County – southeast
 * Androscoggin County – south
 * Oxford County – southwest
 * Le Granit Regional County Municipality, Quebec – northwest

2015
As of 2015 the largest self-reported ancestry groups in Franklin County, Maine are:

2000 census
As of the census of 2000, there were 29,467 people, 11,806 households, and 7,744 families living in the county. The population density was 17 /mi2. There were 19,159 housing units at an average density of 11 /mi2. The racial makeup of the county was 97.96% White, 0.24% Black or African American, 0.37% Native American, 0.43% Asian, 0.02% Pacific Islander, 0.17% from other races, and 0.81% from two or more races. 0.54% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race. 26.3% were of English, 13.8% United States or American, 12.2% French, 9.2% Irish, 7.9% French Canadian, and 5.3% Scottish ancestry according to Census 2000. 95.7% spoke English and 2.9% French as their first language.

There were 11,806 households, out of which 29.50% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 52.40% were married couples living together, 9.20% had a female householder with no husband present, and 34.40% were non-families. 25.80% of all households were made up of individuals, and 10.50% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.40 and the average family size was 2.88.

In the county, the population was spread out, with 23.50% under the age of 18, 11.10% from 18 to 24, 26.40% from 25 to 44, 24.80% from 45 to 64, and 14.20% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 38 years. For every 100 females there were 93.40 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 89.20 males.

The median income for a household in the county was $31,459, and the median income for a family was $37,863. Males had a median income of $30,475 versus $20,442 for females. The per capita income for the county was $15,796. About 10.70% of families and 14.60% of the population were below the poverty line, including 17.90% of those under age 18 and 9.50% of those age 65 or over.

2010 census
As of the 2010 United States Census, there were 30,768 people, 13,000 households, and 8,129 families living in the county. The population density was 18.1 PD/sqmi. There were 21,709 housing units at an average density of 12.8 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the county was 97.3% white, 0.4% Asian, 0.4% American Indian, 0.2% black or African American, 0.2% from other races, and 1.4% from two or more races. Those of Hispanic or Latino origin made up 1.0% of the population. In terms of ancestry, 23.3% were English, 14.2% were Irish, 7.7% were French Canadian, 7.5% were German, 6.4% were Scottish, and 5.0% were American.

Of the 13,000 households, 26.2% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 48.6% were married couples living together, 9.4% had a female householder with no husband present, 37.5% were non-families, and 28.9% of all households were made up of individuals. The average household size was 2.28 and the average family size was 2.76. The median age was 43.4 years.

The median income for a household in the county was $39,831 and the median income for a family was $48,634. Males had a median income of $38,563 versus $30,024 for females. The per capita income for the county was $20,838. About 10.2% of families and 15.5% of the population were below the poverty line, including 21.2% of those under age 18 and 8.8% of those age 65 or over.

Voter registration

 * }

Government
Franklin County is governed by a three-member county commission. Commissioners meet at 10am on the first and third Monday of each month and are elected in the November general election, serving four year terms. Currently, the three commissioners are:

District One: Gary McGrane (Jay, Wilton, Temple, Carthage)

District Two: Charles Webster (Farmington, Chesterville, New Sharon)

District Three: Clyde Barker (Avon, Carrabassett Valley, Coplin Plantation, Dallas Plantation, Eustis, Industry, Kingfield, New Vineyard, Phillips, Rangeley Plantation, Rangeley, Sandy River Plantation, Strong, Weld, and unorganized territories of East Central Franklin, North Franklin, South Franklin, West Central Franklin and Wyman)

Commissioner Charles Webster was appointed by Governor Paul LePage in 2015 to serve out the rest of Fred Hardy's term, who died on July 4. Webster and Barker are members of the Republican Party, while McGrane belongs to the Democratic Party.

Franklin County belongs to Maine Prosecutorial District Three, which is composed of Franklin, Oxford and Androscoggin Counties. The current district attorney is Andrew S. Robinson, of Farmington who was elected to his first term in 2014. The deputy district attorney is James A. Andrews, who was appointed to that post by Robinson in 2015.

The current county treasurer is Pamela Prodan. She was elected to that position in 2014 and will serve a four term through December 2018. Prodan succeeded Mary Frank, who decided to retire instead of running for a second term. The duties of county treasurer include: overseeing fiscal accounting matters, including paying bills, collecting amounts owed the county, reserve/investment accounts, maintaining the county's financial records and other matters related to the county's finances.

Law enforcement
Only five municipalities in Franklin County have their own police department (Carrabassett Valley, Farmington, Jay, Rangeley, and Wilton). The Franklin County Sheriff's Department is responsible for patrol and emergency calls in the remaining communities in the county without their own agency. The current sheriff is Scott Nichols, of New Sharon. Nichols was elected to that post in November 2012, defeating incumbent sheriff, Dennis Pike. Pike had spent 46 years in Franklin County law enforcement prior to being defeated by Nichols.

The status of the Franklin County Jail has been contentiously debated issue within the county and state for several years. In 2008, Governor John Baldacci signed into law a bill which consolidated county jails in an effort to reduce costs. As a result, the Franklin County jail was designated a 72-hour holding facility. Any inmates who needed to be held longer than the three-day maximum had to be transported to the Somerset County Jail in East Madison, which county jail officials said was a waste of department time and money. Jail consolidation has also led to jail overcrowding statewide. When the Somerset Jail reached its maximum capacity, inmates were forced to be transported to another jail within the state, sometimes hours away which Franklin County officials again said wasted time and money.

In 2012, the Somerset County Commissioners voted not to accept any more inmates from outside the county as the state Board of Corrections withheld its third quarter payment. While the vote allowed current inmates to stay at the jail, it required all future inmates to be sent to Two Bridges Regional Jail in Wiscasset. In 2013, the Maine Legislature's Public Safety and Criminal Justice Committee voted 11–0 to allow the Franklin County jail to return to full service status.

In 2014, the Franklin County Commissioners voted to withhold all payments to the state for jail inmates. Public outrage over the jail issue also pressured the state to give the county full service rights. In 2014 an 800-member Facebook group was created and several protests were staged in front of the county courthouse. In 2015, the State Board of Corrections voted to grant the county a fully operational jail, officially ending the seven year conflict between the county and the state.

Towns

 * Avon
 * Carrabassett Valley
 * Carthage
 * Chesterville
 * Eustis
 * Farmington
 * Industry
 * Jay
 * Kingfield
 * New Sharon
 * New Vineyard
 * Phillips
 * Rangeley
 * Strong
 * Temple
 * Weld
 * Wilton

Plantations

 * Coplin Plantation
 * Dallas Plantation
 * Rangeley Plantation
 * Sandy River Plantation

Census-designated places

 * Chisholm
 * Farmington
 * Kingfield
 * Rangeley
 * Wilton

Unorganized territories

 * East Central Franklin
 * North Franklin
 * South Franklin
 * West Central Franklin
 * Wyman

Unincorporated communities

 * Dryden
 * East Dixfield
 * East Wilton
 * Farmington Falls
 * Freeman
 * Macy
 * Madrid
 * Mooselookmeguntic
 * North Jay
 * Oquossoc

title: Franklin County, Maine


text:
Cumberland County, Maine

Cumberland County is a county in the U.S. state of Maine. As of the 2020 census, the population was 303,069, making it the most populous county in Maine. Its county seat is Portland. Cumberland County was founded in 1760 from a portion of York County, Province of Massachusetts Bay, and named for William, Duke of Cumberland, a son of King George II. Cumberland County has the deepest and second-largest body of water in the state, Sebago Lake, which supplies tap water to most of the county. The county is the state's economic and industrial center, having the resources of the Port of Portland, the Maine Mall, and having corporate headquarters of major companies such as Fairchild Semiconductor, IDEXX Laboratories, Unum, and TD Bank. Cumberland County is part of the Portland–South Portland, ME Metropolitan Statistical Area.

Geography
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 1217 sqmi, of which 835 sqmi is land and 382 sqmi (31%) is water.

Most of Casco Bay and most of its islands east of East Cundy Point belong to the county's territory, as does the northernmost part of Saco Bay. Sebago Lake flows into Casco Bay via the Presumpscot River, and Nonesuch River flows into Saco Bay. North and west of Sebago Lake, the terrain of the county begins to flow into the foothills of the Appalachian Mountain range.

Adjacent counties

 * Androscoggin County – north
 * Oxford County – northwest
 * Sagadahoc County – northeast
 * York County – southwest

Major highways

 * [[Image:US 202.svg|20px]] U.S. Route 202
 * [[Image:US 302.svg|20px]] U.S. Route 302
 * [[Image:US 1.svg|20px]] U.S. 1
 * [[Image:MA Route 9.svg|20px]] Maine State Route 9
 * [[Image:MA Route 77.svg|20px]] Maine State Route 77
 * [[Image:MA Route 114.svg|20px]] Maine State Route 114
 * Falmouth Spur
 * [[Image:MA Route 114.svg|20px]] Maine State Route 114
 * Falmouth Spur

National protected area

 * Rachel Carson National Wildlife Refuge (part)

2000 census
As of the 2000 census, there were 265,612 people, 107,989 households, and 67,709 families living in the county. The population density was 318 PD/sqmi. There were 122,600 housing units at an average density of 147 /mi2. The racial makeup of the county was 95.74% White, 1.06% Black or African American, 0.29% Native American, 1.40% Asian, 0.04% Pacific Islander, 0.35% from other races, and 1.13% from two or more races. 0.95% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race.

There were 107,989 households, out of which 30.10% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 50.10% were married couples living together, 9.50% had a female householder with no husband present, and 37.30% were non-families. 28.40% of all households were made up of individuals, and 10.20% 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 2.95.

In the county, the population was spread out, with 23.30% under the age of 18, 8.40% from 18 to 24, 31.30% from 25 to 44, 23.60% from 45 to 64, and 13.30% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 38 years. For every 100 females, there were 93.80 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 90.20 males.

The median income for a household in the county was $44,048, and the median income for a family was $54,485. Males had a median income of $35,850 versus $27,935 for females. The per capita income for the county was $23,949. About 5.20% of families and 7.90% of the population were below the poverty line, including 9.10% of those under age 18 and 7.40% of those age 65 or over.

19.6% were of English, 15.5% Irish, 9.6% French, 7.8% United States or American, 7.7% Italian, 6.3% French Canadian and 5.9% German ancestry according to Census 2000. 94.4% spoke English and 2.1% French as their first language.

2010 census
As of the 2010 United States Census, there were 281,674 people, 117,339 households, and 70,778 families living in the county. The population density was 337.2 PD/sqmi. There were 138,657 housing units at an average density of 166.0 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the county was 92.8% white, 2.4% black or African American, 2.0% Asian, 0.3% American Indian, 0.6% from other races, and 1.8% from two or more races. Those of Hispanic or Latino origin made up 1.8% of the population. In terms of ancestry, 22.7% were English, 21.1% were Irish, 9.0% were German, 8.4% were Italian, 6.0% were Scottish, 5.5% were French Canadian, and 4.4% were American.

Of the 117,339 households, 28.3% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 46.8% were married couples living together, 9.7% had a female householder with no husband present, 39.7% were non-families, and 29.7% of all households were made up of individuals. The average household size was 2.32 and the average family size was 2.90. The median age was 41.0 years.

The median income for a household in the county was $55,658 and the median income for a family was $71,335. Males had a median income of $48,158 versus $38,539 for females. The per capita income for the county was $31,041. About 6.9% of families and 10.5% of the population were below the poverty line, including 14.4% of those under age 18 and 7.5% of those age 65 or over.

Government
Cumberland County is represented by county commissioners and the daily operations are run by a county manager. The county has several responsibilities, including running a Sheriff's department, the Cumberland County Jail, and a county court system. Cumberland County also has its own treasury department, emergency management agency and also has a district attorney office. The county also has a stake in the Cross Insurance Arena (formerly called the Cumberland County Civic Center), as well as programs in local economic development and tourism.

Cumberland County is divided into five districts of approximate equal population, each of which elects one county commissioner. The sheriff is elected countywide and runs the Cumberland County Sheriff's office and the Cumberland County Jail.

Politics
Like the rest of Maine, Cumberland County was a solid Republican county after the Civil War. Between 1860 and 1960, the Republican presidential nominee won Cumberland County in every election except 1912, when the county was won by Democrat Woodrow Wilson following a split in the Republican vote between incumbent president William Howard Taft and Progressive nominee, the former Republican president Theodore Roosevelt. The county remained steadfastly and overwhelmingly Republican even in Franklin D. Roosevelt's huge Democratic landslide win in 1936.

In 1964, Democrat Lyndon B. Johnson won Cumberland County and Maine's 15 other counties as part of a 44-state landslide over controversial Republican nominee Barry Goldwater. Cumberland remained in the Democratic column in 1968, backing Hubert H. Humphrey, who had chosen Maine Senator Edmund Muskie as his running mate. These Democratic victories were a sign of things to come for Cumberland County. Though it would snap back into the Republican column for Richard Nixon in 1972, Republican victories in Cumberland grew increasingly narrower, with Republican Gerald Ford winning it by less than 2,000 votes over Democrat Jimmy Carter in 1976. Carter would narrowly win the county in 1980, marking the first time Cumberland had diverged from the rest of Maine in a presidential election, as the state would be carried by Republican nominee Ronald Reagan.

Reagan would easily carry Cumberland in his 49-state landslide re-election in 1984; however, it was Maine's closest county, with Democrat Walter Mondale losing it by a relatively narrow 13.7%. In 1988, George H. W. Bush would become the last Republican, as of 2020, to carry Cumberland County at the presidential level, winning it by less than seven points. In 1992, Democrat Bill Clinton would win the county with nearly 43% of the vote against Bush and independent Ross Perot; it would be the last time a Democrat would receive less than 50% of the vote in Cumberland County in a presidential election. In 2004, Cumberland would become the most Democratic county in Maine, a position it has retained through 2020. In 2008, over 105,000 ballots would be cast for the Democratic candidate, Barack Obama; it would be the first time a candidate received 100,000 votes in Cumberland County in history. Democrats have exceeded 100,000 votes in Cumberland in each subsequent presidential election. In 2020, Democrat Joe Biden won Cumberland County with 66% of the vote, the most lopsided presidential election result in the county since Lyndon Johnson won 69% of the vote in 1964.

In 2012, the county voted 65% to legalize same-sex marriage.

Voter registration

 * }

Cities

 * Portland (county seat)
 * South Portland
 * Westbrook

Towns

 * Baldwin
 * Bridgton
 * Brunswick
 * Cape Elizabeth
 * Casco
 * Chebeague Island
 * Cumberland
 * Falmouth
 * Freeport
 * Frye Island
 * Gorham
 * Gray
 * Harpswell
 * Harrison
 * Long Island
 * Naples
 * New Gloucester
 * North Yarmouth
 * Pownal
 * Raymond
 * Scarborough
 * Sebago
 * Standish
 * Windham
 * Yarmouth

Census-designated places

 * Bridgton
 * Brunswick
 * Brunswick Station
 * Casco
 * Cousins Island
 * Cumberland Center
 * Dunstan
 * Falmouth
 * Falmouth Foreside
 * Freeport
 * Gorham
 * Gray
 * Little Falls
 * Littlejohn Island
 * Naples
 * North Windham
 * Oak Hill (known as "Scarborough" prior to 2020)
 * Standish
 * Steep Falls
 * South Windham
 * Yarmouth

Other unincorporated communities

 * Bailey Island
 * Higgins Beach
 * North Bridgton
 * Orr's Island
 * Prouts Neck
 * Sebago Lake
 * South Casco
 * South Freeport

Education
School districts include:

 * Brunswick School District
 * Cape Elizabeth School District
 * Chebeague Island School District
 * Falmouth School District
 * Gorham School District
 * Long Island School District
 * Portland Public Schools
 * Regional School Unit 05
 * Regional School Unit 14
 * Scarborough School District
 * School Administrative District 06
 * School Administrative District 15
 * School Administrative District 17
 * School Administrative District 55
 * School Administrative District 61
 * School Administrative District 51
 * School Administrative District 75
 * Sebago Public Schools
 * South Portland School District
 * Westbrook School District
 * Yarmouth School District

Governor Baxter School for the Deaf, a state-owned school, is in the county.

In popular culture
The fictional town of Jerusalem's Lot, featured in the vampire novel 'Salem's Lot by Stephen King, is situated in Cumberland County. King makes passing reference to other nearby towns and cities, including Portland, Falmouth, and Westbrook.

The video game Trauma Team takes place in Cumberland County in the year 2020, referencing Portland and its Back Cove neighborhood. Neither actual hospital housed in Portland is mentioned in-game; instead, a fictional trauma center called Resurgam First Care is fabricated for the plot (in real life, Portland's city motto is "Resurgam", Latin for "I will rise again"). Two other fictional places are mentioned that reference the county name: "Cumberland College" and "Cumberland Institute of Forensic Medicine".

title: Cumberland County, Maine


text:
Aroostook County, Maine

Aroostook County (Comté d'Aroostook) is a county in the U.S. state of Maine along the Canada–United States border. As of the 2020 census, the population was 67,105. The county seat is Houlton, with offices in Caribou and Fort Kent.

Known in Maine as "The County", it is the largest county in Maine by total area, the second-largest in the United States east of the Mississippi River by total area, behind St. Louis County, Minnesota) and the 31st-largest county in the entire contiguous U.S. With over 6800 sqmi of land, it is larger than three of the smaller U.S. states. It is Maine's northernmost county; the state's northernmost village, Estcourt Station, is also the northernmost community in the New England region and in the contiguous United States east of the Great Lakes.

Aroostook County is known for its potato cultivation, and it is an emerging hub for wind power. Historically, Acadian culture and heritage is well-represented in the county. In the Saint John Valley (northern Aroostook county), which borders Madawaska County, New Brunswick, many of the residents are bilingual in English and Acadian French. Elsewhere in Maine, New England French is the predominant form of French spoken. As well, the original inhabitants of the area, the Wolastoqiyik still remain in their country (Wolastokuk) as the Houlton Band of Metaksonekiyak Wolastoqewiyik.

Aroostook County forms the entirety of the Presque Isle media market, according to Nielsen Media Research.

Etymology
The name Aroostook comes from the Wolastokwey (or Maliseet) word Woolahstook, referring to the Saint John River or "Wolastoq", which means "beautiful river".

History
Named for the Wolastoq River, Aroostook's bounds fall completely within Maliseet Country, natively called Wolastokuk. Confederated with neighboring nations like the Mi'kmaq and Abenaki, the Wolastoqiyik (or Maliseet) Nation and their country comprised and still comprises one part of the Wabanaki Confederacy. This confederation covering several countries across Dawnland (what is now New England and the Canadian Maritimes) came together and confederated during the European and British colonization of the Americas.

The sparsely populated North Maine Woods, roughly defined as the headwaters of the Saint John, Penobscot and Kennebec Rivers, was populated during the colonial era by refugees fleeing oppressive governments. Native Americans, particularly Dawnlanders, (retreating from hostile European colonists, and smugglers trading with them, and between English Massachusetts and French Acadia) lived in small communities along the Atlantic coast on the disputed border between those colonies. As England dominated the Gulf of Maine following the French and Indian Wars, these occupants of the border region retreated up the large rivers into the interior, joined by Acadians escaping the Acadian Expulsion. Most Acadians and Wolastoqewiyik found refuge in Canada's Madawaska county, but several communities stayed in what would become the United States, including the Houlton Band of Maliseet Indians, also known as the Metaksonekiyak Wolastoqewiyik. Although the survivors might have preferred to remain independent, surrounding governments dividing their refuge, considering Aroostook County as the west bank of the Saint John River drainage basin upstream of Canada. Under United States control, the area was initially dominated by lumber manufacturing interests, although agriculture became important as population increased. Transportation along the Saint John River, and early rail connections into New Brunswick, created strong business ties with Canada, until the county was connected to the United States rail network by the Bangor and Aroostook Railroad in 1894. Aroostook County residents retain an independent cultural identity established during their history of isolation on the border frontier.

Aroostook County was formed, in 1839, from parts of Penobscot and Washington counties. Between 1843 and 1844, the county gained more land from Penobscot County, and further exchanged land with Piscataquis County. In 1889, Aroostook gained a small amount of Penobscot land, subsequently giving it back in 1903, when Aroostook County took on its current form. Some of the territory in the county was part of the land dispute that led to the "Aroostook War", a dispute which would be settled by the Webster–Ashburton Treaty.

The county was also part of a route on the Underground Railroad, and was one of the last stops before entering Canada. Slaves would meet and hide just outside Aroostook or in deserted areas. Friends Quaker Church near Fort Fairfield was often a final stop.

Much of Aroostook County's economy was dominated by military spending through the Cold War. Limestone Army Air Field was built in Limestone, Maine, in 1947. It was renamed Loring Air Force Base (AFB) in 1953 as the home of the Strategic Air Command (SAC) 42d Bombardment Wing operating Convair B-36 Peacemaker bombers. Aroostook County was chosen due to its strategic location as the closest point in the Continental United States to the Middle East and Europe including the Soviet Union west of the Ural Mountains. Loring AFB could accommodate one hundred of these large bombers; and had both the largest fuel storage capacity, at 9,200,000 gal, and the largest weapons storage capacity, at 4700 tonnes NEW, of any SAC base. The 42d Bombardment Wing at Loring operated Boeing B-52 Stratofortress bombers until the 1991 Base Realignment and Closure Commission recommended closure and the base closed in 1994.

The 2014 Acadian World Congress was held along the Canada–United States border, co-hosted by Aroostook County and a number of neighboring counties in Canada (Témiscouata in Quebec, and Victoria, Madawaska and Restigouche in New Brunswick). Organizers planned a Tintamarre that was held in the town of Madawaska, Maine, as well as a giant tug of war across the Saint John River.

Geography
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 6828 sqmi, of which 6671 sqmi is land and 156 sqmi (2.3%) is water. Aroostook County is Maine's largest county by area, about the size of Connecticut and Rhode Island combined. The county high point is Peaked Mountain, elevation 2230 ft, whose western slopes are in the north east corner of Piscataquis County.

Adjacent counties and municipalities

 * Washington County – southeast
 * Penobscot County – south
 * Piscataquis County – south
 * Somerset County – southwest
 * Montmagny Regional County Municipality, Quebec – west
 * L'Islet Regional County Municipality, Quebec – west
 * Kamouraska Regional County Municipality, Quebec – northwest
 * Témiscouata Regional County Municipality, Quebec – north
 * Madawaska County, New Brunswick – northeast
 * Victoria County, New Brunswick – east
 * Carleton County, New Brunswick – east
 * York County, New Brunswick – southeast

National protected area

 * Aroostook National Wildlife Refuge
 * Aroostook State Park

Government and politics
Although the county is more socially conservative than Maine's southern and coastal counties, it was won by the Democratic presidential candidate in the six elections from 1992 – 2012 before going for the Republican candidate in 2016 and 2020. In the Maine Legislature, the county's delegation in 2013 included three Democrats and seven Republicans. In 2009 it voted 73% in favor of a referendum rejecting same-sex marriage and 54% against the Maine Medical Marijuana Act. In 2012, it voted 67% against a measure to legalize same-sex marriage in Maine.

Voter registration

 * }

2010 census
As of the 2010 United States Census, there were 71,870 people, 30,961 households, and 19,578 families residing in the county. The population density was 10.8 PD/sqmi. There were 39,529 housing units at an average density of 5.9 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the county was 95.7% white, 1.7% Native American, 0.6% black or African American, 0.4% Asian, 0.2% from other races, and 1.4% from two or more races. Those of Hispanic or Latino origin made up 0.9% of the population. In terms of ancestry, 27.2% were of French origin, 18.1% English, 17.4% Irish, 8.2% French Canadian (counted separately from French), 8.1% American, and 5.2% of German heritage.

In 2010, 18.0% of the population reported speaking French at home; other than speakers of English, there were no other significant linguistic groups.

Of the 30,961 households, 25.5% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 49.6% were married couples living together, 9.4% had a female householder with no husband present, 36.8% were non-families, and 30.8% of all households were made up of individuals. The average household size was 2.26 and the average family size was 2.79. The median age was 45.3 years.

The median income for a household in the county was $36,574 and the median income for a family was $47,114. Males had a median income of $37,222 versus $28,244 for females. The per capita income for the county was $20,251. About 10.6% of families and 15.4% of the population were below the poverty line, including 20.4% of those under age 18 and 11.7% of those age 65 or over.

2000 census
As of the census of 2000, there were 73,938 people, 30,356 households, and 20,429 families residing in the county. The population density was 11 /mi2. There were 38,719 housing units at an average density of 6 /mi2. The racial makeup of the county was 96.80% White, 0.38% Black or African American, 1.36% Native American, 0.47% Asian, 0.03% Pacific Islander, 0.17% from other races, and 0.80% from two or more races. 0.60% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race. 22.6% were of French, 15.4% United States or American, 14.6% English, 14.3% French Canadian and 10.2% Irish ancestry.

There were 30,356 households, out of which 28.40% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 55.60% were married couples living together, 8.10% had a female householder with no husband present, and 32.70% were non-families. 27.60% of all households were made up of individuals, and 13.10% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.36 and the average family size was 2.86.

In the county, 22.60% of the population was under the age of 18, 7.90% was from 18 to 24, 26.30% from 25 to 44, 26.20% from 45 to 64, and 17.00% was 65 years of age or older. The median age was 41 years. For every 100 females there were 95.40 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 92.70 males.

The median income for a household in the county was $28,837, and the median income for a family was $36,044. Males had a median income of $29,747 versus $20,300 for females. The per capita income for the county was $15,033. About 9.80% of families and 14.30% of the population were below the poverty line, including 16.20% of those under age 18 and 16.00% of those age 65 or over.

Cities

 * Caribou
 * Presque Isle

Incorporated towns

 * Allagash
 * Amity
 * Ashland
 * Blaine
 * Bridgewater
 * Castle Hill
 * Caswell
 * Chapman
 * Crystal
 * Dyer Brook
 * Eagle Lake
 * Easton
 * Fort Fairfield
 * Fort Kent
 * Frenchville
 * Grand Isle
 * Hamlin
 * Hammond
 * Haynesville
 * Hersey
 * Hodgdon
 * Houlton
 * Island Falls
 * Limestone
 * Linneus
 * Littleton
 * Ludlow
 * Madawaska
 * Mapleton
 * Mars Hill
 * Masardis
 * Merrill
 * Monticello
 * New Canada
 * New Limerick
 * New Sweden
 * Oakfield
 * Orient
 * Perham
 * Portage Lake
 * Saint Agatha
 * Saint Francis
 * Sherman
 * Smyrna
 * Stockholm
 * Van Buren
 * Wade
 * Wallagrass
 * Washburn
 * Westfield
 * Westmanland
 * Weston
 * Woodland

Plantations

 * Cyr Plantation
 * Garfield Plantation
 * Glenwood Plantation
 * Macwahoc Plantation
 * Moro Plantation
 * Nashville Plantation
 * Reed Plantation
 * Saint John Plantation
 * Winterville Plantation

Census-designated places

 * Ashland
 * Blaine
 * Eagle Lake
 * Fort Fairfield
 * Fort Kent
 * Grand Isle
 * Houlton
 * Island Falls
 * Limestone
 * Madawaska
 * Mapleton
 * Mars Hill
 * Oakfield
 * Van Buren
 * Washburn

Unincorporated communities within towns

 * California
 * Clayton Lake
 * Crouseville
 * Daigle
 * Estcourt Station
 * Fort Kent Mills
 * Portage
 * Saint David
 * Sinclair
 * Smyrna Mills
 * Wytopitlock

Unorganized territories

 * Cary
 * Central Aroostook
 * Connor
 * Northwest Aroostook
 * Oxbow
 * Sinclair
 * South Aroostook
 * Square Lake

Indian reservations

 * Aroostook Band of Mi'kmaq Indians Reservation, located in Presque Isle
 * Houlton Band of Maliseet Indians Reservation, located in Houlton

title: Aroostook County, Maine