Fairfield, Maine

Fairfield, Maine
Name	Fairfield, Maine
Settlement type	Town
Pushpin label	Fairfield
Subdivision type	Country
Subdivision name	United States
Subdivision type1	State
Subdivision name1	Maine
Subdivision type2	County
Subdivision name2	Somerset
Established title	Incorporated
Established date	1788
Unit pref	Imperial
Area total km2	142.34
Area land km2	135.48
Area water km2	6.86
Area total sq mi	54.96
Area land sq mi	52.31
Area water sq mi	2.65
Population as of	2020
Population total	6725
Population density km2	49.6
Population density sq mi	128.5
Timezone	Eastern (EST)
Utc offset	-5
Timezone DST	EDT
Utc offset DST	-4
Coordinates	44, 35, 17, N...
Elevation m	43
Elevation ft	141
Postal code type	ZIP code
Postal code	04937
Area code	207
Blank name	FIPS code
Blank info	23-24275
Blank1 name	GNIS feature ID
Blank1 info	0582471
Website	www.fairfieldme.com

Fairfield, Maine is a town in Somerset County, Maine, situated along the banks of the Kennebec River. Incorporated in 1788, it developed as a significant milling and industrial center in the 19th century, leveraging the river's power. Today, it is part of the Waterville, Maine micropolitan area and retains a mix of residential, commercial, and light industrial character, with a population of over 6,700 residents.

History

The area was originally part of the Norridgewock territory of the Abenaki people before European settlement. It was granted by the Massachusetts General Court in 1774 as part of Bingham's Purchase, a large tract of land sold by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts to raise funds. The town was officially incorporated in 1788, named for Fairfield, Connecticut. Its growth was fueled by the Kennebec River, which powered numerous mills, including the prominent Hathaway Shirt Company factory and several sawmill operations. The arrival of the Maine Central Railroad in the mid-19th century further cemented its role as a regional transportation and manufacturing hub, connecting it to markets in Portland and Bangor.

Geography

According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 54.96 square miles, of which 52.31 square miles is land and 2.65 square miles is water. The Kennebec River forms its western boundary, while the town is also drained by Messalonskee Stream and the Sebasticook River. It borders the towns of Benton to the south, Clinton and Albion to the east, and Oakland and Sidney to the north. The terrain is generally rolling, with notable features including Kennebec Gorge and several small ponds such as Bog Pond.

Demographics

As of the 2020 United States Census, there were 6,725 people residing in the town. The population density was approximately 128.5 inhabitants per square mile. The racial makeup was predominantly White, with smaller populations of African American, Native American, Asian, and Hispanic or Latino residents. The median household income has historically been slightly below the state average, with a portion of the population living below the Federal Poverty Level. The town is part of the Waterville, Maine Micropolitan Statistical Area.

Economy

Historically dominated by textile mills and paper mills, Fairfield's economy has diversified. Major employers have included the Hathaway Shirt Company, Keyes Fibre Company (later Huhtamäki), and the S.D. Warren Company. While manufacturing remains present, sectors such as healthcare, retail, and education have grown in importance. The town is home to the Northern Light Continuing Care Center and serves as a commercial center for the surrounding region, with businesses located along routes like U.S. Route 201 and Maine State Route 23.

Education

Public education is administered by Maine School Administrative District 49, which also serves the towns of Albion, Clinton, and Benton. Schools in town include Lawrence Junior High School and Fairfield Primary School. The district's high school is Lawrence High School, which has a notable rivalry with nearby Messalonskee High School. The town is also proximate to several institutions of higher learning, including Thomas College and Colby College in Waterville, and the University of Maine at Augusta.

Notable people

Notable individuals associated with the town include Dorothy Healy, a prominent labor and civil rights activist; John L. H. Hunt, a U.S. Representative; and Ruth Lockwood, a silent film actress. Gary Thorne, the celebrated sportscaster for ESPN and Fox Sports, was born here. Additionally, Alonzo Garcelon, who served as the 36th Governor of Maine, practiced medicine in Fairfield early in his career.

Category:Towns in Somerset County, Maine Category:Towns in Maine Category:Populated places established in 1788 Category:1788 establishments in Maine