Gorham, Maine
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| Gorham, Maine | |
|---|---|
| Name | Gorham |
| Settlement type | Town |
| Nickname | The Gateway to the Sebago Lakes Region |
| Subdivision type | Country |
| Subdivision name | United States |
| Subdivision type1 | State |
| Subdivision name1 | Maine |
| Subdivision type2 | County |
| Subdivision name2 | Cumberland County |
| Established title | Settled |
| Established date | 1736 |
| Established title2 | Incorporated |
| Established date2 | 1764 |
| Government type | Town Council |
| Leader title | Town Manager |
| Leader name | Ephrem Paraschak |
| Area total km2 | 103.20 |
| Area total sq mi | 39.85 |
| Area land km2 | 101.20 |
| Area land sq mi | 39.07 |
| Area water km2 | 2.00 |
| Area water sq mi | 0.77 |
| Elevation m | 75 |
| Elevation ft | 246 |
| Population total | 18700 |
| Population as of | 2020 |
| Population density km2 | 184.8 |
| Population density sq mi | 478.6 |
| Timezone | Eastern (EST) |
| Utc offset | -5 |
| Timezone DST | EDT |
| Utc offset DST | -4 |
| Coordinates | 43, 40, 50, N... |
| Postal code type | ZIP Code |
| Postal code | 04038 |
| Area code | 207 |
| Blank name | FIPS code |
| Blank info | 23-28280 |
| Blank1 name | GNIS feature ID |
| Blank1 info | 0582486 |
| Website | www.gorham-me.org |
Gorham, Maine is a town in Cumberland County, Maine with a rich history dating to the mid-18th century. Located just west of Portland, Maine, it serves as a commercial and educational hub for the region, anchored by the presence of the University of Southern Maine. The community blends historic New England character with modern suburban growth, offering access to the Sebago Lake region while maintaining its distinct identity.
History
The area was originally part of a Massachusetts land grant known as Narragansett No. 7, later named for Captain John Gorham. Early settlement was perilous, with conflicts such as the French and Indian Wars and a notorious 1746 attack led by the Abenaki and French forces at the Gorham Garrison House. Following the Treaty of Paris (1763), stability increased, and Gorham was officially incorporated in 1764. The 19th century saw the town flourish with industries powered by the Presumpscot River, including several gristmills, sawmills, and the prominent Gorham Manufacturing Company, known for its silverware and later for producing the Gorham brand. The arrival of the Portland and Ogdensburg Railroad in the 1870s further connected the town to broader markets.
Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, Gorham has a total area of 39.85 square miles, of which 39.07 square miles is land and 0.77 square miles is water. The town is drained by the Presumpscot River and its tributaries, including Little River. It borders the cities of Westbrook, Maine and Portland, Maine to the east, the towns of Standish, Maine and Windham, Maine to the north and west, and Scarborough, Maine to the south. The landscape features a mix of rolling hills, farmland, and developed areas, with notable geographic features like Gorham Mountain and proximity to Sebago Lake.
Demographics
As of the 2020 United States Census, the population was 18,700. The racial makeup was predominantly White, with growing diversity. The median household income has historically been above the state average, reflecting its role as a suburban community for Portland, Maine professionals and its academic population from the University of Southern Maine. Population growth has been steady, driven by its schools and proximity to the economic opportunities of the Greater Portland, Maine area.
Economy
Gorham's economy has evolved from its historical base in agriculture and manufacturing. While some light industry and commercial businesses remain, the economy is now diversified, with significant sectors including education, health care, retail, and professional services. The University of Southern Maine is a major employer and economic driver. The town's commercial corridors are concentrated along routes 25, 114, and 202, featuring national retailers and local businesses. Companies like Tyler Technologies have a presence in the community.
Education
Public education is managed by the Gorham School Department, which operates Gorham High School, Gorham Middle School, and three elementary schools: Village School, Great Falls Elementary School, and Narragansett Elementary School. The town is also the primary location for the University of Southern Maine, part of the University of Maine System, which offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs. Other institutions include the private Baxter Academy for Technology and Science charter high school.
Notable people
Notable individuals associated with Gorham include John H. Aborn, a Wisconsin State Assemblyman; Albion K. Parris, a former Governor of Maine and United States Senator; and Eben Norton Horsford, a prominent chemist and inventor. Athletes such as Julie Parisien, an alpine skier who competed in the 1992 Winter Olympics, and Ryan Flaherty, a former Major League Baseball infielder for the Baltimore Orioles, also hail from the town. Famed poet Edwin Arlington Robinson spent part of his youth in Gorham.
Category:Towns in Cumberland County, Maine Category:Towns in Maine Category:1764 establishments in Massachusetts