Andover, Maine

Andover, Maine is a town in Oxford County, Maine, nestled within the scenic Western Maine Mountains region. Settled in the late 18th century and incorporated in 1804, it developed around its natural resources, particularly timber and water power from the Ellis River. Known for its rugged natural beauty, the community has been a destination for outdoor recreation and was historically home to a significant Appalachian Mountain Club facility.

History

The area was part of a Massachusetts land grant known as Plantation Number Six, with early settlement spurred by veterans of the American Revolutionary War. The town was officially incorporated by the Massachusetts General Court and named for Andover, Massachusetts. Its 19th-century economy was dominated by lumbering, with numerous sawmills operating along the Ellis River and its tributaries, and the arrival of the Maine Central Railroad in the late 1800s bolstered the local industry. A notable chapter began in the 1930s when the Appalachian Mountain Club established its "Maine Woods" headquarters at nearby Kibby and Old Speck Mountain, making the area a hub for hiking and conservation for several decades. The town also gained attention in the 1960s as the site of Project Sanguine, a United States Navy experiment in extremely low frequency communication.

Geography

According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 150.50 square miles, with Lake Auburn and other ponds comprising a significant water portion. Andover is situated in the Androscoggin River watershed and is defined by the valleys of the Ellis River and the Sunday River. The terrain is mountainous, featuring parts of the Mahoosuc Range and peaks such as Old Speck Mountain, the third-highest summit in Maine, and Baldpate Mountain. It borders the towns of Upton to the north, Newry to the east, Rumford to the southeast, Hanover to the south, and Grafton Township to the west.

Demographics

As of the 2020 United States Census, the population was 752, representing a slight decrease from previous decades. The population density is notably low, characteristic of the region's rural towns. Historically, demographic shifts have followed economic trends, with peaks during the height of the lumbering and railroad eras and a gradual decline as those industries waned. The racial composition is predominantly White, with a small but growing percentage identifying with two or more races, mirroring broader trends in Oxford County.

Government

Andover operates under the town meeting form of government, an integral part of Maine's municipal structure. An elected Board of Selectmen handles daily administrative duties. For state representation, the town is part of Maine House of Representatives district 91 and Maine Senate district 18. Federally, it is included in Maine's 2nd congressional district, represented in the United States House of Representatives.

Notable people

Notable individuals associated with the town include John L. H. Hunt, a Union Army officer and Medal of Honor recipient for gallantry at the Battle of Chaffin's Farm. George W. Hammond served as a United States Ambassador to Argentina under President William Howard Taft. In the arts, painter and illustrator John Gannam maintained a studio there, and writer Richard G. Hubler authored several works while residing in the community.

Category:Towns in Oxford County, Maine Category:Towns in Maine Category:Populated places established in 1804 Category:1804 establishments in Massachusetts