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Lewiston, ME

Frequently asked questions

Lewiston, ME

Lewiston is the second most populous city in the U.S. state of Maine, with the city's population at 37,121 as of the 2020 United States Census. The city lies halfway between Augusta, the state's capital, and Portland, the state's most populous city. It is one-half of the Lewiston-Auburn Metropolitan Statistical Area, commonly referred to as "L/A." or "L-A." Lewiston exerts a significant impact upon the diversity, religious variety, commerce, education, and economic power of Maine. It is known for having an overall low cost of living, substantial access to medical care, and a low violent-crime rate. In recent years, the city of Lewiston has also seen a spike in economic and social growth. While the dominant language spoken in the city is English, it is home to a significant Somali population as well as the largest French-speaking population in the United States (by population) while it is second to St. Martin Parish, Louisiana, in percentage of speakers.

The Lewiston area traces its roots to 1669 with the early presence of the Androscoggin tribe (the namesake of the county in which the city resides). In the late 18th century, in 1795, Lewiston was incorporated as Lewistown. The presence of the Androscoggin River and Lewistown Falls made the town an attractive area for manufacturing and hydro-power businesses. The rise of Boston rail and textile tycoon Benjamin Bates saw rapid economic growth rivaling that of Cambridge, Worcester, and Concord. Irish immigrants were recruited to build the railroad links and dig the canals for the textile mills. The Irish stayed, and worked the mills and established flourishing businesses, as evidenced by the McGillicuddy, Callahan, and other Blocks and the St. Joseph's and St. Patrick's churches. 

In the 1850 U.S. Census, Lewiston was 23% Irish born. The increase in economic stimulus prompted thousands of Quebecers to migrate, causing a population boom; the populace rose from 1,801 in 1840 to 21,701 in 1890. In 1855, local preacher Oren Burbank Cheney founded the Maine State Seminary, the first coeducational university in New England and one of the first universities to admit black students before the Emancipation Proclamation. Lewistown quickly became associated with the liberal arts and was incorporated as "Lewiston" in 1864, a year before the college was chartered as Bates College.

The city is home to the only basilica in Maine, Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul; 5 colleges and universities; 44 listings on the National Register of Historic Places; the Androscoggin Bank Colisée; the Stephens Observatory; the Olin Arts Center; the Bates College Museum of Art (BCMoA); and two significant general hospitals: Central Maine Medical Center and Saint Mary's Regional Medical Center.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 35.54 square miles (92.05 km²), of which 34.15 square miles (88.45 km²) is land and 1.39 square miles (3.60 km²) is water. Lewiston is drained by the Androscoggin River, which forms its western border. The city is bordered by Auburn beyond the river, as well as the towns of Greene, Sabattus, and Lisbon. It is between Portland, the state's largest city and cultural center, and the state capital of Augusta.

Lewiston places a strong emphasis on health and wellness, with Central Maine Medical Center being a cornerstone of healthcare in the region. The city is surrounded by picturesque landscapes, including parks and nature reserves, providing residents with ample opportunities for outdoor activities. The Androscoggin Riverwalk is a popular spot for walking, running, and enjoying scenic views. The Thorncrag Bird Sanctuary offers a serene escape for birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts, contributing to the overall well-being of the community.

Top sites in Lewiston, ME are Bates College Museum of Art, Thorncrag Bird Sanctuary, and Maine MILL.

Population: 38,772 (2024). ZIP codes: 04240, 04241, 04243. Area code: 207. Elevation: 217 ft (66 m). Area: 35.54 sq mi (92.03 km²).

FAQs

Is Lewiston, ME a town or city?

Lewiston is the second most populous city in the U.S. state of Maine, with the city's population at 37,121 as of the 2020 United States Census. It is the county seat of Androscoggin County. The city lies halfway between Augusta, the state's capital, and Portland, the state's most populous city.

Who is Lewiston, ME named after?

The place was named "Lewistown," apparently in honor of the late Job Lewis, a Boston merchant and former Proprietor. The first white settlers in Lewiston, Maine, were Paul Hildreth and his family in 1770. His log cabin was a short distance below the falls near the location of the Continental Mill.

How populated is Lewiston, ME?

Lewiston, ME is home to a population of 36.6k people, of which 96.1% are citizens. As of 2021, 7.34% of Lewiston, ME residents were born outside of the country (2.69k people). In 2021, there were 11.9 times more White (Non-Hispanic) residents (30.3k people) in Lewiston, ME than any other race or ethnicity.

Sources

Wikipedia

City of Lewiston

Central Maine Medical Center

Downtown Lewiston

Androscoggin Riverwalk 

Thorncrag Bird Sanctuary

Bates College Museum of Art

Devils Grove Disc Golf

Maine MILL

Lewiston Maine

Data USA

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