Historical Markers in
Androscoggin County, Maine

10,000 Years of Wabanaki History / 10 000 Ans d'Histoire Wabanaki Amitgonpontook Androscoggin Gem Androscoggin Log Drives / Les Draves Sur L'Androscoggin Auburn L.L. Bean Store / Le Magasin L.L. Bean À Auburn Auburn, Maine Auburn, Maine Auburn's Agriculture, Forestry and Resource Protection Zone Bonney Park Canal System / Les Canaux Chief Justice Armand A. Dufresne Jr. Plaza Cities of the Androscoggin Cities of the Androscoggin Civil War Memorial Development of New Auburn / Le Nouvel Auburn Early Industry / Les Débuts de L'Industrie Ecology of the Riverbanks / La Biodiversité des Berges Edward Little House 1827 / La Maison d'Edward Little 1827 Festival Plaza Foss Mansion / Le Manoir Foss Gold Star Families Memorial Grand Trunk Depot / La Gare d'Arrivée du Grand Trunk Great Falls Geology / La Géologie des Grandes Chutes Great New Auburn Fire / Le Grand Incendie du Nouvel-Auburn Haymarket Square / La Place du Marché des Fourrages Hydroelectric Power / L'Énergie Hydraulique Knight House / La Maison Knight Lewiston Falls Academy / L'Académie de Lewiston Falls Lewiston, Maine Lewiston, Maine Mail Route 1794 Maine's Loss of Farmland & Rise of Small Farms Music Hall Naval Air Station Gun Peck's Department Store / Le Grand Magasin Peck Richard E. White River Pollution and Restoration / Pollution et Restoration de la Rivière Roak Block The Knight House Veterans Memorial Veterans Memorial Veterans Memorial Park Veterans Memorial Park / Le Parc des Vétérans Victoria Vietnam Wall Vietnam War Wabanaki History / Les Wabanaquis Willys "Jeep" "Remember the Maine"
Maine has a unique lobstering tradition: Lobstering is a way of life in Maine, and it has been for generations. Lobstering was once considered a lowly profession, but now it is a highly respected and lucrative industry. Maine lobsters are renowned for their sweet flavor and are considered a delicacy around the world.
Androscoggin County, located in the state of Maine, has a rich and diverse history that dates back centuries. The area was historically inhabited by the Abenaki Native American tribe who utilized the Androscoggin River, which runs through the county, for transportation, fishing, and trade. European settlers arrived in the early 17th century, with the first permanent settlement established in the 1630s.

The region saw significant growth during the Industrial Revolution in the 19th century. The Androscoggin River played a crucial role in the development of textile mills, shoe factories, and paper mills, transforming the area into a major industrial center. Communities like Lewiston and Auburn became thriving manufacturing hubs, attracting a large immigrant population, particularly French-Canadians and Irish immigrants, who came to work in the mills.

The county faced challenges during the Great Depression in the 1930s, with the closure of many mills and factories leading to high unemployment rates. However, Androscoggin County remained resilient and diversified its economy by expanding into other industries like healthcare and higher education. The establishment of institutions like Bates College and hospitals helped to stabilize the region economically and provide new opportunities for its residents.

In recent years, Androscoggin County has experienced revitalization efforts focused on preserving its history and promoting tourism. The area boasts a wealth of historical landmarks, including the Bates Mill complex and various museums, which attract visitors interested in learning about its industrial past. Additionally, the county's natural beauty, with its rivers, parks, and lakes, has made it a popular destination for outdoor recreational activities. Overall, Androscoggin County's history is characterized by industrial growth, cultural diversity, and the ability to adapt to changing economic circumstances.

This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Androscoggin County, Maine.

  • 1854 - Androscoggin County is established by the Maine Legislature on March 18
  • 1873 - The county seat is moved from Auburn to Lewiston
  • 1890 - Bates College is founded in Lewiston
  • 19th century - Mills along the Androscoggin River drive the local economy
  • 1930s - The textile industry in the county starts to decline
  • Late 20th century - Lewiston and Auburn experience a period of economic restructuring
  • 2000s - The county focuses on diversifying its economy and promoting tourism