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Waterville, ME

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Waterville, ME

Waterville is a city in Kennebec County, Maine, United States, on the west bank of the Kennebec River. The city is home to Colby College, Thomas College, and the headquarters of HealthReach Community Health Centers. As of the 2020 census the population was 15,828. Along with Augusta, Waterville is one of the principal cities of the Augusta-Waterville, ME Micropolitan Statistical Area.

The area now known as Waterville was once inhabited by the Canibas tribe of the Abenaki people. Called "Taconnet" after Chief Taconnet, the main village was located on the east bank of the Kennebec River at its confluence with the Sebasticook River at what is now Winslow. Known as "Ticonic" by English settlers, it was burned in 1692 during King William's War, after which the Canibas tribe abandoned the area. Fort Halifax was built by General John Winslow in 1754, and the last skirmish with indigenous peoples occurred on May 18, 1757.

The township would be organized as Kingfield Plantation, then incorporated as Winslow in 1771. When residents on the west side of the Kennebec found themselves unable to cross the river to attend town meetings, Waterville was founded from the western parts of Winslow and incorporated on June 23, 1802. In 1824 a bridge was built joining the communities. Early industries included fishing, lumbering, agriculture, and shipbuilding, with larger boats launched in spring during freshets. By the early 1900s, there were five shipyards in the community.

Waterville is located in northern Kennebec County in the central part of the state, located at 44°33′07″N 69°38′45″W. Its northern boundary is the Somerset County line.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 14.05 square miles (36.39 km2), of which 13.58 square miles (35.17 km2) are land and 0.47 square miles (1.22 km2), or 3.36%, is water. Situated beside the Kennebec River, Waterville is drained by the Messalonskee Stream.

Waterville is served by Interstate 95, U.S. Route 201, and Maine State Routes 137 and 104. It is bordered by Fairfield on the north in Somerset County, Winslow on the east, Sidney on the south, and Oakland on the west.

Health and wellness are integral to the Waterville community. With a commitment to providing comprehensive healthcare services, Inland Hospital stands as a cornerstone of the city's well-being. The hospital caters to the diverse healthcare needs of the residents, ensuring access to quality medical care. Waterville's commitment to wellness extends beyond medical facilities, with numerous parks and recreational areas providing opportunities for outdoor activities. The city encourages a healthy lifestyle through initiatives that promote fitness and community engagement.

The top sites in Waterville, ME are Colby College Museum of Art, Quarry Road Trails, and Waterville Opera House.

Population: 15,828 (2022). ZIP Code: 04901. Area code: 207. Elevation: 108 ft (33 m). Incorporated: January 12, 1888. Area: 14.01 sq mi (36.28 km2).

FAQs

What is the poverty rate in Waterville, ME?

23.1% of the population for whom poverty status is determined in Waterville, ME (3.18k out of 13.8k people) live below the poverty line, a number that is higher than the national average of 12.6%. The largest demographic living in poverty is Females 35 - 44, followed by Females 18 - 24 and then Males 18 - 24. The most common racial or ethnic group living below the poverty line in Waterville, ME is White, followed by Two Or More and Asian.

What is a fun fact about Waterville, ME?

Waterville was dubbed the Elm City for its many elm trees, and as such grew to be considered one of the more beautiful cities in Maine. Waterville's other nickname is “The University City of Maine,” and the city's two colleges are another example of the city's history of name changes and redefinition. The first college was called the Maine Literary and Theological Institution, which became Waterville College and then Colby University, before becoming Colby College.

What Indian tribes were in Waterville Maine?

The area now known as Waterville was once inhabited by the Canibas tribe of the Abenaki people. Called "Taconnet" after Chief Taconnet, the main village was located on the east bank of the Kennebec River at its confluence with the Sebasticook River at what is now Winslow. Known as "Ticonic" by English settlers, it was burned in 1692 during King William's War, after which the Canibas tribe abandoned the area. Fort Halifax was built by General John Winslow in 1754, and the last skirmish with indigenous peoples occurred on May 18, 1757.

Sources

Wikipedia

City of Waterville

Inland Hospital

Yumpu

Colby College Museum of Art

Quarry Road Trails

Waterville Opera House

Data USA

Digital Commons Colby

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