Bowdoinham, Maine facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Bowdoinham, Maine
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The Robert P. Carr House, which is on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places
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| Motto(s):
"On Beautiful Merrymeeting Bay"
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 Bowdoinham, Maine
Location in Maine
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| Country | United States |
| State | Maine |
| County | Sagadahoc |
| Incorporated | 1762 |
| Area | |
| • Total | 39.2 sq mi (102 km2) |
| • Land | 34.4 sq mi (89 km2) |
| • Water | 4.8 sq mi (12 km2) |
| Elevation | 115 ft (35 m) |
| Population
(2020)
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| • Total | 734 |
| • Density | 206.41/sq mi (79.70/km2) |
| Time zone | UTC-5 (Eastern (EST)) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-4 (EDT) |
| ZIP code |
04008
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| Area code(s) | 207 |
| FIPS code | 23-06365 |
| GNIS feature ID | 0582361 |
| Website | Town of Bowdoinham, Maine |
Bowdoinham is a town in Sagadahoc County, Maine, United States. It is located in the beautiful state of Maine. The town is part of a larger area that includes cities like Portland.
In 2020, about 3,047 people lived in Bowdoinham. The town sits on the west side of Merrymeeting Bay. It is a lovely place with a rich history.
Contents
History of Bowdoinham
Early Settlement and Conflicts
A fort called Fort Richmond was built in 1719. It helped protect the area. This encouraged British settlers to move there. Around 1720, Captain Gyles Watkins started a settlement near the Cathance River.
However, in 1723, during a time called Dummer's War, all the buildings were burned. Cattle were also killed. This was done by the Norridgewocks and their Native American allies. The whole Kennebec River area was left empty.
Peace came with a treaty in 1725. After that, Abraham and Jonas Preble from York resettled the area around 1730.
Naming and Founding the Town
The town's growth was slowed by arguments over land ownership. Two different groups claimed the land. One claim was from Sir Ferdinando Gorges in 1637. The other was from the Kennebec Company in 1752.
The Kennebec Company sold the land to William Bowdoin of Boston. He was the older brother of James Bowdoin. The courts decided that William Bowdoin owned the land. This was because the older claim was no longer valid.
On September 18, 1762, the area officially became a town. It was named Bowdoinham after William Bowdoin. The town used to be bigger. Parts of it later became Richmond in 1823 and Bowdoin in 1788.
Early Industries and Economy
Early settlers in Bowdoinham were mostly farmers. They grew crops like apples, wheat, hay, and potatoes. They also raised sheep.
Shipbuilding was a very important industry in the early days. The first ship was built here in 1768. The last large ship was built in 1912. Over time, shipbuilding became less common.
By 1886, Bowdoinham had many businesses. These included three sawmills and a gristmill. There were also factories that made clothing and cheese. About a dozen ice companies also operated here. The town also made boots, shoes, and carriages. The area called Cathance Landing became the main business center.
Geography of Bowdoinham
Bowdoinham covers about 39.2 square miles. Most of this area, about 34.4 square miles, is land. The rest, about 4.8 square miles, is water.
The town is located next to Merrymeeting Bay. Several rivers flow through Bowdoinham. These include the Cathance River, Abagadasset River, and Kennebec River.
Major roads cross through the town. These include Interstate 295. State routes 24, 125, and 138 also pass through. Bowdoinham shares borders with other towns. These are Richmond to the north, Bowdoin to the west, and Topsham to the south.
Population Information
| Historical population | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Census | Pop. | %± | |
| 1790 | 455 | — | |
| 1800 | 792 | 74.1% | |
| 1810 | 1,412 | 78.3% | |
| 1820 | 2,259 | 60.0% | |
| 1830 | 2,061 | −8.8% | |
| 1840 | 2,402 | 16.5% | |
| 1850 | 2,382 | −0.8% | |
| 1860 | 2,343 | −1.6% | |
| 1870 | 1,804 | −23.0% | |
| 1880 | 1,681 | −6.8% | |
| 1890 | 1,508 | −10.3% | |
| 1900 | 1,305 | −13.5% | |
| 1910 | 1,385 | 6.1% | |
| 1920 | 1,030 | −25.6% | |
| 1930 | 904 | −12.2% | |
| 1940 | 915 | 1.2% | |
| 1950 | 1,039 | 13.6% | |
| 1960 | 1,131 | 8.9% | |
| 1970 | 1,294 | 14.4% | |
| 1980 | 1,828 | 41.3% | |
| 1990 | 2,192 | 19.9% | |
| 2000 | 2,612 | 19.2% | |
| 2010 | 2,889 | 10.6% | |
| 2020 | 3,047 | 5.5% | |
| U.S. Decennial Census | |||
2010 Census Details
In 2010, the town had 2,889 people living there. There were 1,179 households. About 844 of these were families. The population density was about 84 people per square mile.
Most of the people living in Bowdoinham were White (95.3%). Other groups included African American (0.7%), Native American (0.6%), and Asian (1.0%). Some people identified with two or more races (2.3%). About 1.0% of the population was Hispanic or Latino.
About 31.6% of households had children under 18. Many households (56.3%) were married couples. The average household had 2.45 people. The average family had 2.80 people.
The average age in Bowdoinham was 43.7 years old. About 21.6% of residents were under 18. About 12.7% were 65 or older. The town had a nearly equal number of males (50.1%) and females (49.9%).
Education in Bowdoinham
Public schools in Bowdoinham are part of Maine School Administrative District 75.
- Students in kindergarten through 5th grade go to Bowdoinham Community School.
- Students in grades 6-8 attend Mt. Ararat Middle School.
- High school students (grades 9-12) go to Mt. Ararat High School.
Places to Visit
- Bowdoinham Wildlife Management Area
- Merrymeeting Bay
- The Sands
- Mailly Waterfront Park
Notable People from Bowdoinham
- Carroll W. Blake, a person who showed movies and invested in real estate.
- Sally Cluchey, a state legislator.
- Gardner Colby, a businessman and helper of good causes. Colby College is named after him.
- Robert Browne Hall, a composer known for marching music.
- Orrington Lunt, a businessman.
- Arthur B. Patten, a religious leader and writer.
- Frank Sandford, a religious leader.
- Pop Williams, a baseball pitcher.
See also
In Spanish: Bowdoinham (Maine) para niños
