Cushing, Maine
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| Cushing, Maine | |
|---|---|
| Name | Cushing |
| Settlement type | Town |
| Subdivision type | Country |
| Subdivision name | United States |
| Subdivision type1 | State |
| Subdivision name1 | Maine |
| Subdivision type2 | County |
| Subdivision name2 | Knox County |
| Established title | Incorporated |
| Established date | 1789 |
| Unit pref | Imperial |
| Area total km2 | 70.50 |
| Area land km2 | 50.60 |
| Area water km2 | 19.90 |
| Population as of | 2020 |
| Population total | 1,502 |
| Population density km2 | auto |
| Timezone | Eastern (EST) |
| Utc offset | -5 |
| Timezone DST | EDT |
| Utc offset DST | -4 |
| Coordinates | 44, 01, 08, N... |
| Postal code type | ZIP Code |
| Postal code | 04563 |
| Area code | 207 |
| Blank name | FIPS code |
| Blank info | 23-15665 |
| Blank1 name | GNIS feature ID |
| Blank1 info | 0582433 |
Cushing, Maine is a coastal town in Knox County, Maine within the Mid Coast region. It is situated on a peninsula extending into the Muscongus Bay and is part of the traditional territory of the Abenaki people. The community is known for its maritime heritage, scenic landscapes, and as the longtime home of renowned artist Andrew Wyeth.
History
The area was originally part of the Muscongus Patent, a large 17th-century land grant, and was later known as the Broad Cove settlement. It was incorporated in 1789 and named for Thomas Cushing, a lieutenant governor of Massachusetts. Early industries included shipbuilding, lumber milling, and granite quarrying, with vessels constructed here sailing globally from ports like Boston and New York City. During the American Revolution, local privateers operated against British shipping, and the War of 1812 also impacted the community. The 19th century saw the rise of commercial fishing and farming, with many residents also engaged in the coastal trade along Penobscot Bay.
Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 70.50 square miles, of which 50.60 square miles is land and 19.90 square miles is water. The terrain is characterized by a rugged, indented coastline with numerous coves, inlets, and islands such as Harbor Island and Davis Island. Major water bodies include the Saint George River, the Medomak River, and the Muscongus Sound. The town is bordered by Saint George to the east, Warren to the north, and Thomaston to the west, with unincorporated territories to the southwest.
Demographics
As of the 2020 United States census, the population was 1,502. The population density was approximately 29.7 people per square mile of land. The racial makeup was predominantly White, with smaller percentages of other groups. Historically, the population peaked in the mid-19th century during the height of the shipbuilding era before declining. Many residents today are employed in trades connected to the sea, including lobster fishing, marine services, and boatbuilding, while others commute to employment centers in Rockland and Camden.
Government
Cushing operates under the town meeting form of government, with an elected Board of Selectmen overseeing municipal operations. The town is part of Maine Senate district 12 and Maine House of Representatives district 93. For federal representation, it lies within Maine's 1st congressional district. Local services include a volunteer fire department and a contract with the Knox County Sheriff's Office for law enforcement. The town is served by the Regional School Unit 13 for public education.
Notable people
The town's most famous resident was painter Andrew Wyeth, who maintained a studio at his Olson House and created many iconic works there, including "Christina's World". His son, artist Jamie Wyeth, also spent considerable time in Cushing. Other notable individuals include shipbuilder John L. Cushing, Civil War officer General Samuel H. Cushing, and educator Ruth Moore, a novelist who wrote extensively about Maine coastal life.
Points of interest
Key sites include the Olson House, a National Historic Landmark immortalized by Andrew Wyeth and now owned by the Farnsworth Art Museum. The Broad Cove Church, built in 1805, is a historic landmark. The Cushing Historical Society maintains a museum in the former town house. Natural attractions include the Cushing Wildlife Management Area, several public boat launches, and scenic vistas along the Maine Coastal Islands National Wildlife Refuge, which protects seabird nesting colonies on nearby islands.
Category:Towns in Knox County, Maine Category:Towns in Maine Category:Populated coastal places in Maine Category:1789 establishments in Massachusetts