Stonington, Maine
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| Stonington, Maine | |
|---|---|
| Name | Stonington |
| Settlement type | Town |
| Subdivision type | Country |
| Subdivision name | United States |
| Subdivision type1 | State |
| Subdivision name1 | Maine |
| Subdivision type2 | County |
| Subdivision name2 | Hancock County |
| Established title | Incorporated |
| Established date | 1897 |
| Unit pref | Imperial |
| Area total km2 | 99.1 |
| Area land km2 | 38.1 |
| Area water km2 | 61.0 |
| Population as of | 2020 |
| Population total | 1,057 |
| Population density km2 | 27.7 |
| Timezone | Eastern (EST) |
| Utc offset | -5 |
| Timezone DST | EDT |
| Utc offset DST | -4 |
| Coordinates | 44, 9, 22, N... |
| Postal code type | ZIP Code |
| Postal code | 04681 |
| Area code | 207 |
| Blank name | FIPS code |
| Blank info | 23-74425 |
| Blank1 name | GNIS feature ID |
| Blank1 info | 0582752 |
Stonington, Maine is a coastal town located on the southern end of Deer Isle in Hancock County. Incorporated in 1897, it is the southern terminus of the Deer Isle-Sedgwick Bridge and a historic center for the New England granite and lobster fishing industries. The town's deep-water harbor on the Penobscot Bay has made it a significant port for the Maine lobster boat fleet and a destination for summer tourism.
History
The area was originally part of the Pentagoet territory of the Abenaki people before European settlement. It was first known as Green's Landing and later as Stonington Village, a part of the town of Deer Isle. The community grew rapidly in the late 19th century due to the booming granite quarry industry, which supplied stone for iconic structures like the John F. Kennedy Library and the Smithsonian Institution. This economic boom led to its incorporation as a separate town in 1897. The industry declined after World War I, but the town's economy transitioned to focus on commercial fishing, particularly for American lobster. The Stonington Harbor has long been a base for the Maine lobster boat fleet and was historically a port for schooners carrying granite and Grand Banks fishing vessels.
Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 99.1 square kilometers, of which 38.1 square kilometers is land and 61.0 square kilometers is water. Stonington is situated on the southern tip of Deer Isle, bordering the Penobscot Bay and the Atlantic Ocean. The topography is characterized by a rugged coastline with numerous islands, including Crotch Island, which was the site of major granite quarries, and parts of the Maine Island Trail. The town's harbor is one of the busiest lobster fishing ports in Maine. Key geographic features include Oceanville and the Deer Isle-Sedgwick Bridge, which connects to the mainland via Little Deer Isle.
Demographics
As of the 2020 United States census, the population was 1,057. The population density was 27.7 inhabitants per square kilometer. The racial makeup was predominantly White. The town has experienced seasonal population fluctuations due to its popularity as a summer destination for residents of cities like Boston and New York City. Historically, the population peaked in the early 20th century during the height of the granite quarrying era. The 2010 Census recorded a population of 1,043, indicating relative stability.
Economy
The economy is primarily driven by the lobster fishery, with Stonington Harbor consistently ranking among the top ports in Maine for lobster landings by value and volume. Related industries include boat building, marine services, and seafood processing. Tourism is a significant secondary sector, supported by art galleries, bed and breakfasts, restaurants, and recreational activities like kayaking and sailing. The Opera House Arts organization at the historic Stonington Opera House is a cultural anchor. Summer tourism sees an influx of visitors to the Deer Isle Archipelago and the Penobscot Bay region.
Government
Stonington operates under the town meeting form of government, with an elected Board of Selectmen and Town Manager overseeing municipal operations. The town is part of Maine's 2nd congressional district, represented in the U.S. House and the Maine Senate. Local services include a police department, volunteer fire department, and a public works department. The town is served by the Union 76 school district, with students attending the Deer Isle-Stonington Elementary School and Deer Isle-Stonington High School.
Notable people
Notable individuals associated with Stonington include photographer and filmmaker John Cohen, known for his work with the New Lost City Ramblers; poet and translator Robert H. Abel; and artist Emily Muir. The town has also been a summer residence or inspiration for numerous writers and artists drawn to its coastal landscape, contributing to its vibrant arts community centered around venues like the Deer Isle Artists Association.
Category:Towns in Hancock County, Maine Category:Towns in Maine Category:Populated coastal places in Maine Category:1897 establishments in Maine