Bangor, Maine
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| Bangor, Maine | |
|---|---|
| Name | Bangor, Maine |
| Settlement type | City |
| Nickname | The Queen City of the East |
| Motto | "Dirigo" (I Lead) |
| Subdivision type | Country |
| Subdivision name | United States |
| Subdivision type1 | State |
| Subdivision name1 | Maine |
| Subdivision type2 | County |
| Subdivision name2 | Penobscot |
| Established title | Settled |
| Established date | 1769 |
| Established title2 | Incorporated (town) |
| Established date2 | 1791 |
| Established title3 | Incorporated (city) |
| Established date3 | 1834 |
| Government type | Council–Manager |
| Leader title | Mayor |
| Leader name | Cary Weston |
| Leader title1 | City Manager |
| Leader name1 | Debbie Laurie |
| Area total km2 | 89.60 |
| Area total sq mi | 34.60 |
| Area land km2 | 88.15 |
| Area land sq mi | 34.03 |
| Area water km2 | 1.45 |
| Area water sq mi | 0.56 |
| Elevation m | 36 |
| Elevation ft | 118 |
| Population total | 31,753 |
| Population as of | 2020 |
| Population density km2 | 360.2 |
| Population density sq mi | 933.0 |
| Timezone | Eastern (EST) |
| Utc offset | −5 |
| Timezone DST | EDT |
| Utc offset DST | −4 |
| Postal code type | ZIP Codes |
| Postal code | 04401, 04402 |
| Area code | 207 |
| Blank name | FIPS code |
| Blank info | 23-02795 |
| Blank1 name | GNIS feature ID |
| Blank1 info | 0561356 |
| Website | www.bangormaine.gov |
Bangor, Maine. Bangor is a city in and the county seat of Penobscot County, serving as a major commercial and cultural hub for northern and eastern Maine. Strategically located along the Penobscot River, its history is deeply intertwined with the timber industry and maritime commerce. Today, it is known for its healthcare and retail services, vibrant arts scene, and as the home of renowned author Stephen King.
History
The area was originally inhabited by the Penobscot, a tribe of the Wabanaki Confederacy. European settlement began in 1769 under the auspices of Jacob Buswell, with the community initially named Kenduskeag Plantation. It was incorporated as a town in 1791 and renamed for the hymn "Bangor." The city's growth exploded in the 19th century, fueled by its dominance as a global lumber port, with millions of board feet shipped from its bustling waterfront to destinations like Boston and the West Indies. This era of prosperity, marked by grand Victorian architecture, earned it the nickname "The Queen City of the East." The city was a significant stop on the Underground Railroad and later became a major shipping center for Union Army troops during the American Civil War. The Great Fire of 1911 destroyed much of the downtown commercial district, leading to extensive rebuilding in brick and stone. In the 20th century, its economy diversified with the establishment of Dow Air Force Base and the growth of Eastern Maine Medical Center.
Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 34.60 square miles, of which 34.03 square miles is land and 0.56 square miles is water. The city is centered on the west bank of the Penobscot River, at the head of tide and just north of its confluence with the Kenduskeag Stream. The terrain is generally rolling, with prominent features including Bangor City Forest and Capitol Hill. The city is part of the New England/Acadian forests ecoregion and experiences a humid continental climate, with cold, snowy winters and warm summers. Major nearby bodies of water include Pushaw Lake and Penobscot Bay, while the city is bisected by Interstate 95 and served by the Bangor International Airport.
Demographics
As of the 2020 United States census, the population was 31,753. The racial makeup was approximately 90.1% White, 2.5% Black or African American, 2.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 2.2% Asian, and 3.2% identifying as two or more races. Individuals of Hispanic or Latino origin comprised 2.7% of the population. The median household income was below the state average, with about 17.5% of residents living below the poverty line. The city is the anchor of the Bangor metropolitan area, which encompasses all of Penobscot County and is home to over 150,000 people. Educational attainment data shows that 90.6% of adults have a high school diploma or higher, and 30.5% hold a bachelor's degree or higher.
Economy
Historically dominated by the lumber industry, Bangor's modern economy is centered on healthcare, education, retail, and transportation. It is the primary retail and service center for much of northern Maine. Major employers include Northern Light Eastern Maine Medical Center, one of the state's largest hospitals, and its parent system, Northern Light Health. EMHS is a significant healthcare network. Education is represented by the University of Maine flagship campus in nearby Orono and Husson University. Bangor International Airport serves as a key transportation and cargo hub for the region, while the Cross Insurance Center hosts major concerts, sporting events, and conventions. Other notable employers are General Electric, with an aviation manufacturing plant, and the Jackson Laboratory, a biomedical research institution. The Bangor Mall is a major retail destination.
Culture and recreation
Bangor boasts a vibrant cultural scene, famously as the hometown and residence of author Stephen King, whose influence is seen in local landmarks like the Paul Bunyan statue and tours of his inspirations. The city hosts the annual Bangor State Fair, one of the oldest in the nation, and the American Folk Festival. Performing arts are centered at the historic Bangor Opera House and the Penobscot Theatre Company. The University of Maine Museum of Art and the Cole Land Transportation Museum offer major exhibits. Outdoor recreation is abundant at the Bangor City Forest trail network, the Kenduskeag Stream Canal, and nearby Acadia National Park. Sports fans support the Bangor High School Rams and the Maine Black Bears athletic teams. The city's waterfront is home to the Bangor Waterfront Pavilion, a popular concert venue.
Government
Bangor operates under a council–manager form of government. Legislative power is vested in a nine-member City Council, elected at-large to three-year staggered terms. The council appoints a professional City manager to oversee daily administrative operations. The ceremonial head of the city is the mayor, who is elected by and from the council members. The city provides a full range of municipal services, including police through the Bangor Police Department, fire protection via the Bangor Fire Department, and public works. It is part of Maine's 2nd congressional district and is represented in the Maine Senate and Maine House of Representatives. The city is also the seat of the United States District Court for the District of Maine's Northern Division, housed in the Margaret Chase Smith Federal Building.
Category:Bangor, Maine Category:Cities in Maine Category:County seats in Maine Category:Penobscot County, Maine