Amity, Maine facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Amity, Maine
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Location of Amity, Maine
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| Country |  United States |
| State |  Maine |
| County | Aroostook |
| Villages | North Amity South Amity |
| Area | |
| • Total | 41.72 sq mi (108.05 km2) |
| • Land | 41.72 sq mi (108.05 km2) |
| • Water | 0 sq mi (0 km2) |
| Elevation | 663 ft (202 m) |
| Population
(2020)
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| • Total | 253 |
| • Density | 6/sq mi (2.3/km2) |
| Time zone | UTC-5 (Eastern (EST)) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-4 (EDT) |
| ZIP code |
04471
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| Area code(s) | 207 |
| FIPS code | 23-01220 |
| GNIS feature ID | 0582324 |
Amity is a small town in eastern Maine, USA. It's located in Aroostook County, very close to the border with Canada. In 2020, about 253 people lived there.
Contents
A Look Back at Amity's History
Amity was first settled by people in 1826. It officially became a town on March 19, 1836. Some people believe the town got its name from a special agreement called the "Treaty of Amity, Commerce, and Navigation." This treaty, made in 1794, was about friendship and trade between England and the United States. It also helped settle a disagreement about the border between Maine and New Brunswick.
The Aroostook War and a Special Monument
In 1839, there was a disagreement over land called the "Aroostook War". It ended peacefully with the Webster–Ashburton Treaty. This treaty helped decide that Amity belonged to Maine. After the treaty, surveyors placed a special stone monument in Monument Brook. This monument marked the end of the land dispute. It also showed the northernmost source of the Chiputneticook Lakes. This monument is still there today, but it's in a swamp. You can only reach it by walking.
The Historic Reed School
Amity has one building that is very important historically. It is called the Reed School and is located in North Amity. This old school building is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. For many years, it was more than just a school. It was a community center where people gathered for singing lessons, debates, and plays.
Understanding Amity's Geography
Amity covers an area of about 41.72 square miles (108.05 square kilometers). All of this area is land. The town shares its borders with several other places:
- To the north is the township of Cary.
- To the south is the town of Orient.
- To the west is an undeveloped area called South Aroostook.
- To the east are the parishes of North Lake, New Brunswick and Richmond, New Brunswick in Canada.
Amity's Population Over Time
| Historical population | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Census | Pop. | %± | |
| 1840 | 169 | — | |
| 1850 | 256 | 51.5% | |
| 1860 | 302 | 18.0% | |
| 1870 | 311 | 3.0% | |
| 1880 | 432 | 38.9% | |
| 1890 | 420 | −2.8% | |
| 1900 | 404 | −3.8% | |
| 1910 | 375 | −7.2% | |
| 1920 | 393 | 4.8% | |
| 1930 | 324 | −17.6% | |
| 1940 | 345 | 6.5% | |
| 1950 | 300 | −13.0% | |
| 1960 | 206 | −31.3% | |
| 1970 | 156 | −24.3% | |
| 1980 | 168 | 7.7% | |
| 1990 | 186 | 10.7% | |
| 2000 | 199 | 7.0% | |
| 2010 | 238 | 19.6% | |
| 2020 | 253 | 6.3% | |
| U.S. Decennial Census | |||
The population of Amity has changed quite a bit over the years. In 1840, there were 169 people. The population grew for a while, reaching its highest point in 1880 with 432 people. After that, the number of residents slowly decreased for many years. However, in recent decades, the population has started to grow again. In 2020, the town had 253 residents.
What the 2010 Census Showed
The 2010 census counted 238 people living in Amity. These people lived in 102 households, and 65 of these were families.
- About 25.5% of households had children under 18.
- Nearly half (49.0%) of households were married couples living together.
- The average household had 2.33 people.
- The average family had 2.71 people.
The average age of people in Amity in 2010 was 45.9 years old.
- 19.3% of residents were under 18.
- 13.4% were 65 years old or older.
- The town had a little more males (52.5%) than females (47.5%).
Notable People from Amity
- Samantha Smith (born in Houlton) – She was a childhood ambassador and peace activist. She became famous for writing a letter to the leader of the Soviet Union during the Cold War.
See also
In Spanish: Amity (Maine) para niños
