New Gloucester, Maine
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| New Gloucester, Maine | |
|---|---|
| Name | New Gloucester, Maine |
| Settlement type | Town |
| Subdivision type | Country |
| Subdivision name | United States |
| Subdivision type1 | State |
| Subdivision name1 | Maine |
| Subdivision type2 | County |
| Subdivision name2 | Cumberland |
| Established title | Incorporated |
| Established date | 1774 |
| Unit pref | Imperial |
| Area total km2 | 133.20 |
| Area land km2 | 128.80 |
| Area water km2 | 4.40 |
| Population as of | 2020 |
| Population total | 5840 |
| Population density km2 | auto |
| Timezone | Eastern (EST) |
| Utc offset | -5 |
| Timezone DST | EDT |
| Utc offset DST | -4 |
| Coordinates | 43, 57, 47, N... |
| Elevation m | 76 |
| Postal code type | ZIP Code |
| Postal code | 04260 |
| Area code | 207 |
| Blank name | FIPS code |
| Blank info | 23-49025 |
| Blank1 name | GNIS feature ID |
| Blank1 info | 0582615 |
| Website | www.newgloucester.com |
New Gloucester, Maine is a town in Cumberland County, incorporated in 1774. It is known for its historic Shaker community and significant agricultural heritage. The town features a mix of rural landscapes, residential areas, and conserved lands, located approximately 20 miles north of Portland.
History
The area was part of the Pequawket territory and was granted in 1736 by the Massachusetts General Court as the Thompson's Pond Plantation to veterans of King William's War. Settlement was delayed by conflicts including King George's War and the French and Indian Wars. Incorporated in 1774, it was named for Gloucester in England. The community was profoundly shaped by the arrival of the United Society of Believers in Christ's Second Appearing, commonly known as the Shakers, who established the Sabbathday Lake Shaker Village in 1783. This village, one of the last active Shaker communities, became a center for agriculture, craftsmanship, and the production of iconic Shaker furniture. The town's economy historically relied on farming, lumber, and small mills along the Royal River and its tributaries. Notable 19th-century residents included Nehemiah Porter, a delegate to the Massachusetts Constitutional Convention of 1780, and it was the birthplace of John S. C. Abbott, a noted historian and author.
Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 133.20 square kilometers, of which 128.80 square kilometers is land and 4.40 square kilometers is water. New Gloucester is drained by the Royal River and contains several ponds, including Thompson's Pond and Intervale Pond. It borders the towns of Gray to the northeast, Poland to the northwest, Auburn to the west, Durham to the south, and Pownal to the southeast. The terrain is characterized by rolling hills, forests, and agricultural fields, with a portion of the Pineland Farms campus located within its borders. Major transportation routes include U.S. Route 202 and Maine State Route 231.
Demographics
As of the 2020 United States Census, the population was 5,840. The population density was approximately 45.3 inhabitants per square kilometer. The racial makeup was predominantly White. The median household income has historically been above the average for Maine and Cumberland County. A significant portion of the workforce commutes to employment centers in the Portland metropolitan area, Lewiston, and Auburn. The town has experienced steady residential growth while maintaining its rural character.
Government
New Gloucester operates under the town meeting form of government, with a three-member Board of Selectmen serving as the executive body. The town is part of Maine's 1st congressional district, represented in the U.S. House by Chellie Pingree. At the state level, it is within Maine Senate district 20 and Maine House of Representatives district 67. Local services include a police department, a volunteer fire department, and a public works department. The town is a member of Maine School Administrative District 15, which also serves the neighboring towns of Gray.
Notable people
* John S. C. Abbott, historian and author * Nehemiah Porter, delegate to the Massachusetts Constitutional Convention * Rufus McIntire, U.S. Congressman and Brigadier General in the Maine Militia * Samuel Mayall, U.S. Congressman * Paul LePage, the 74th Governor of Maine, resided in the town during his tenure
Points of interest
The primary historical attraction is the Sabbathday Lake Shaker Village, a National Historic Landmark District and the world's last active Shaker community, which includes a museum, library, and preserved farm. The New Gloucester Historical Society maintains exhibits on local history. Outdoor recreation is available at the Intervale Trail network and Thompson's Pond. A portion of the large agricultural and recreational campus of Pineland Farms is located within the town. The annual New Gloucester Fair, a traditional agricultural fair, has been held since the 19th century.
Category:Towns in Cumberland County, Maine Category:Towns in Maine Category:1774 establishments in Maine