Lower Lisbon Street Historic District
Lisbon St. between Cedar and Chestnut, Lewiston, METhe Lower Lisbon Street Historic District is a concentration of 18 commercial structures that form a single block in Lewiston's central business district. The district is significant as the only intact concentration of commercial buildings from the city's most important period of development, 1850-1915. Moreover, this rare surviving representation of late nineteenth and early twentieth-century architecture is unusual for the great variety of materials, ornamentation, and building heights found concentrated in a single block. As a product of intermittent development, there are structures that survive every major phase of the city's history.
Developed as a company town by Boston investors beginning in 1850, Lewiston rapidly grew to become the largest industrial city in Maine. It became particularly important as a textile center for the region. Until its decline in the 1920s, Lewiston experienced fairly steady prosperity as the developers, known as the Franklin Water Power Company, sold off lots for housing and commercial structures. Lisbon Street quickly became the central business district where most of the stores and office buildings were located. The lower end, which includes the area of this district, did not develop as intensively as the upper end. Consequently what survives includes stores dating from the earliest period of significance, as well as those constructed in the 1900's. This section of the street has traditionally served as the location for a variety of small businesses and this contributes to its varied historical character.
Local significance of the district:
Developed as a company town by Boston investors beginning in 1850, Lewiston rapidly grew to become the largest industrial city in Maine. It became particularly important as a textile center for the region. Until its decline in the 1920s, Lewiston experienced fairly steady prosperity as the developers, known as the Franklin Water Power Company, sold off lots for housing and commercial structures. Lisbon Street quickly became the central business district where most of the stores and office buildings were located. The lower end, which includes the area of this district, did not develop as intensively as the upper end. Consequently what survives includes stores dating from the earliest period of significance, as well as those constructed in the 1900's. This section of the street has traditionally served as the location for a variety of small businesses and this contributes to its varied historical character.
Commerce; Architecture
Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1985.
About National Register Listings
The National Register of Historic Places is the official list of the Nation’s historic places worthy of preservation. Authorized by the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, the National Park Service’s National Register of Historic Places is part of a national program to coordinate and support public and private efforts to identify, evaluate, and protect America’s historic and archeological resources.
Maine was originally part of Massachusetts: Maine was a part of the Massachusetts Bay Colony and was officially recognized as a separate state on March 15, 1820, becoming the 23rd state of the United States.
About Androscoggin County
Androscoggin County Timeline
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.
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.
Androscoggin County Timeline
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