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Auburn, ME

Frequently asked questions

Auburn, ME

Auburn is a city in south-central Maine, in the United States. The city serves as the county seat of Androscoggin County. Auburn and its sister city Lewiston are known locally as the Twin Cities or Lewiston–Auburn (L–A).

The area was originally part of the Pejepscot Purchase, land bought in 1714 by an association of people from Boston and Portsmouth following the Treaty of Portsmouth, which brought peace between the Abenaki Indians and the settlers of present-day Maine. In 1736, however, the Massachusetts General Court granted a large section of the land to veterans of the 1690 Battle of Quebec. Conflicting claims led to prolonged litigation; settlement was delayed until after the French and Indian Wars.

Auburn was first settled in 1786 as part of Bakerstown, renamed Poland when it was incorporated by the Massachusetts General Court in 1795. It was then part of Minot, formed from parts of Poland and incorporated in 1802. Auburn would itself be formed from parts of Minot and incorporated on February 24, 1842. The name was inspired by "Auburn", a village (real or fictitious) featured in the 1770 poem "The Deserted Village" by Oliver Goldsmith.

Originally part of Cumberland County, the town became the county seat of Androscoggin County at its creation in 1854. By annexing land from towns around it, including part of Poland in 1852, Minot in 1873, and all of Danville (first called Pejepscot) in 1867, Auburn grew geographically into one of Maine's largest municipalities. Incorporated as a city on February 22, 1869, Auburn in 1917 would be the first city in the state to adopt a council-manager form of government.

In Auburn, shoe manufacturing became the dominant industry by the late 19th century. The City Seal, depicting a spindle with different types of shoes at each outside point, was designed when Auburn was positioning itself as the shoe manufacturing center of Maine in the mid-19th century. In 1917, one factory in Auburn was producing 75 percent of the world's supply of white canvas shoes; however, after World War II the shoe industry began to decline, and between 1957 and 1961 the largest manufacturers closed their factories.

Auburn is located at 44°5′N 70°14′W (44.089, −70.241). According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 65.74 square miles (170.27 km2), of which 59.33 square miles (153.66 km2) is land and 6.41 square miles (16.60 km2) is water. Auburn is drained by the Little Androscoggin River and Androscoggin River.

Health and wellness are integral aspects of Auburn's community life. Residents benefit from the Central Maine Medical Center's services, ensuring access to quality healthcare. The city also boasts numerous parks and recreational areas that promote an active lifestyle. Residents can enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking and biking in places like Edward Little Park, fostering a sense of well-being and community engagement.

The top sites in Auburn, ME are Community Little Theatre, Fox Ridge Golf Club, and Wallingford's Fruit House.

Population: 24,193 (2022). ZIP Codes: 04210, 04212. Area code: 207. Elevation: 190 ft (58 m). Incorporated: February 22, 1869. Area: 65.74 sq mi (170.27 km2).

FAQs

What is Auburn, ME known for?

Settled in 1786, Auburn was separated from Minot in 1842 and is supposed to have been named after the Auburn of Oliver Goldsmith's poem The Deserted Village. The manufacture of shoes was once the city's chief industry. Today diversified industries produce plastic laminates, automotive products, and electrical components. The Androscoggin Historical Society Library and Museum has exhibits derived from local history. Recreational facilities include the nearby Lost Valley Ski Area, Lake Auburn, and Taylor Pond. Inc.

How old is Auburn, ME?

Auburn was first settled in 1786 as part of Bakerstown, renamed Poland when it was incorporated by the Massachusetts General Court in 1795. It was then part of Minot, formed from parts of Poland and incorporated in 1802. Auburn would itself be formed from parts of Minot and incorporated on February 24, 1842.

What is the poverty rate in Auburn, ME?

In 2022, the median household income of Auburn households was $59,659. Auburn households made slightly more than Palmyra households ($59,643), St. Albans households ($59,479), and North Penobscot households ($59,479). However, 6.4% of Auburn families live in poverty.

Sources

Wikipedia

City of Auburn

Central Maine Medical Center

Community Little Theatre 

Fox Ridge Golf Club 

Wallingford's Fruit House

Britannica

Maine Demographics

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