Canton, Maine facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Canton, Maine
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Main Street in 1909
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 Canton, Maine
Location in Maine
Canton, Maine
Location in the United States
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| Country | United States |
| State | Maine |
| County | Oxford |
| Incorporated | 1821 |
| Area | |
| • Total | 30.50 sq mi (78.99 km2) |
| • Land | 29.12 sq mi (75.42 km2) |
| • Water | 1.38 sq mi (3.57 km2) |
| Elevation | 400 ft (122 m) |
| Population
(2020)
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| • Total | 1,125 |
| • Density | 39/sq mi (14.9/km2) |
| Time zone | UTC-5 (Eastern (EST)) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-4 (EDT) |
| ZIP code |
04221
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| Area code(s) | 207 |
| FIPS code | 23-10005 |
| GNIS feature ID | 0582386 |
| Website | www.cantonmaine.org |
Canton is a small town in Oxford County, Maine, United States. It's part of the bigger Lewiston-Auburn area in Maine. In 2020, about 1,125 people lived here. Canton is a popular spot for summer fun because it's right next to Lake Anasagunticook.
Contents
A Look Back: Canton's History
Early Native American Life
Long ago, the area known as Canton Point was home to the Anasagunticook (or Androscoggin) Abenaki Indians. Their village was called Rockemeka. They had a large area, about 500 acres (2 square kilometers), where they grew corn. Sadly, by 1757, many of the tribe members were gone due to a sickness.
How Canton Became a Town
Later, this land was given to Captain Joseph Phipps and 63 other soldiers. This was a reward for their service in the French and Indian War. The area was first called Phipps-Canada. In 1795, it became an official town named Jay. It was named after John Jay, who was the very first chief justice of the U. S. Supreme Court.
Then, on February 5, 1821, a part of Jay was separated and became its own town. This new town was named Canton, just like Canton, Massachusetts.
Growing with Industry and Travel
In the early 1790s, the first settlers arrived, including William Livermore and Joseph Coolidge. Most of them came from Massachusetts. The land around Canton Point was very flat and fertile, perfect for farming.
Lake Anasagunticook had an outlet that provided water power. This power was great for running machines in factories. In 1814, Gustavus Hayford built a log cabin, a sawmill (for cutting wood), and a gristmill (for grinding grain). His settlement was first called Hayford Mills. Later, it was renamed Canton Mills, and then just Canton.
In the 1800s, Canton had many businesses. There was a machine shop that made farm implements (tools for farming). There was also a factory that made tinware and an iron foundry (where metal objects are made). Canton remains a busy center today. In the late 1850s, the Rumford Branch of the Maine Central Railroad came through town. This brought goods and also tourists. Canton became a popular place for camping.
Planning for the Future: Flood Protection
In December 2005, the town started a big project. They began moving the town center and about 60 homes. These buildings were in areas near the Androscoggin River that often flooded in the spring. There are ideas to turn the empty lots into parks or nature trails.
Exploring Canton's Geography
Canton covers about 30.50 square miles (78.99 square kilometers). Most of this area, about 29.12 square miles (75.42 square kilometers), is land. The rest, about 1.38 square miles (3.57 square kilometers), is water.
The town is next to Lake Anasagunticook. Water from Whitney Brook and the Androscoggin River flows through Canton.
You can reach Canton by state routes 108 and 140. Canton shares its borders with several other towns. These include Jay to the northeast, Hartford to the south, Peru to the west, and Dixfield to the northwest.
Who Lives in Canton? (Demographics)
| Historical population | |||
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| Census | Pop. | %± | |
| 1830 | 746 | — | |
| 1840 | 919 | 23.2% | |
| 1850 | 926 | 0.8% | |
| 1860 | 1,025 | 10.7% | |
| 1870 | 984 | −4.0% | |
| 1880 | 1,029 | 4.6% | |
| 1890 | 1,303 | 26.6% | |
| 1900 | 946 | −27.4% | |
| 1910 | 1,013 | 7.1% | |
| 1920 | 750 | −26.0% | |
| 1930 | 767 | 2.3% | |
| 1940 | 706 | −8.0% | |
| 1950 | 746 | 5.7% | |
| 1960 | 728 | −2.4% | |
| 1970 | 742 | 1.9% | |
| 1980 | 831 | 12.0% | |
| 1990 | 951 | 14.4% | |
| 2000 | 1,121 | 17.9% | |
| 2010 | 990 | −11.7% | |
| 2020 | 1,125 | 13.6% | |
| U.S. Decennial Census | |||
In 2010, there were 990 people living in Canton. These people lived in 410 different homes. About 22% of homes had children under 18. Most people in Canton were White.
The average age of people in Canton was 48 years old. About 17% of residents were under 18 years old. About 22% were 65 years old or older. The town had slightly more females than males.
Fun Places to Visit in Canton
- Canton Historical Society
- The road shore beach of Lake Anasagunticook is a great place to relax.
Famous People from Canton
- Cornelius Holland, a US congressman
- Scott Kolk, a US actor
- Stephany Stanley, who was Miss Maine in 1998
- John P. Swasey, a US congressman
See also
In Spanish: Canton (Maine) para niños
