Dixfield, Maine facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Dixfield, Maine
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Dixfield town hall and post office
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| Motto(s):
The Only One
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| Country | United States |
| State | Maine |
| County | Oxford County |
| Area | |
| • Total | 41.69 sq mi (107.98 km2) |
| • Land | 41.27 sq mi (106.89 km2) |
| • Water | 0.42 sq mi (1.09 km2) |
| Population
(2020)
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| • Total | 2,253 |
| • Density | 55/sq mi (21.1/km2) |
| Time zone | UTC-5 (Eastern (EST)) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-4 (EDT) |
| ZIP Codes |
04224 (Dixfield)
04227 (East Dixfield) |
Dixfield is a small town located in Oxford County, Maine, United States. It's part of the larger Lewiston-Auburn metropolitan area. In 2020, about 2,253 people lived there.
Dixfield has a special motto: "The Only One." This is because it's the only town in the entire world with this name! The town was named after Dr. Elijah Dix, who owned a lot of land in the area.
Contents
Town History: How Dixfield Began
The land where Dixfield now stands was given out in 1789. This was done by the Massachusetts General Court, which was like the government for the area back then. Colonel Jonathan Holman, a hero from the American Revolutionary War, received some of this land.
The first families moved to the area in 1795. These early settlers included John Marble, Gardner Brown, and Amos Trask. At first, the area was called Holmantown Plantation.
Becoming Dixfield: A New Name
On June 21, 1803, part of Holmantown Plantation officially became a town. It was named Dixfield, making it the 147th town in Maine. The rest of the plantation later became the town of Mexico in 1818.
The town got its name because Dr. Elijah Dix from Boston made a promise. He said he would give the town a library if they changed its name from Holmantown to Dixfield. The people agreed, and the town got its new name.
Early Industries: What Dixfield Made
Dixfield had many streams, which were perfect for water power. This helped the town grow into a small place with many factories, known as a mill town.
The town had sawmills to cut wood and gristmills to grind grain. People in Dixfield also made many other things. These included cheese, carriages, shingles, and even toothpicks. They also made rakes, wooden boxes, and boots and shoes.
Geography: Rivers and Land
Dixfield covers about 41.69 square miles (107.98 square kilometers). Most of this area is land, with a small part being water.
The town has several important waterways. Newton Brook, the Webb River, and the Androscoggin River all flow through Dixfield. U.S. Route 2, a major road, also passes through the town.
The Webb River is a natural border between Dixfield and the nearby town of Mexico. It starts from small streams and wetlands and eventually joins the Androscoggin River in Dixfield Village.
Population: How Many People Live Here?
| Historical population | |||
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| Census | Pop. | %± | |
| 1810 | 403 | — | |
| 1820 | 595 | 47.6% | |
| 1830 | 889 | 49.4% | |
| 1840 | 1,169 | 31.5% | |
| 1850 | 1,180 | 0.9% | |
| 1860 | 1,181 | 0.1% | |
| 1870 | 1,049 | −11.2% | |
| 1880 | 913 | −13.0% | |
| 1890 | 988 | 8.2% | |
| 1900 | 1,052 | 6.5% | |
| 1910 | 1,056 | 0.4% | |
| 1920 | 1,134 | 7.4% | |
| 1930 | 1,521 | 34.1% | |
| 1940 | 1,790 | 17.7% | |
| 1950 | 2,022 | 13.0% | |
| 1960 | 2,323 | 14.9% | |
| 1970 | 2,188 | −5.8% | |
| 1980 | 2,389 | 9.2% | |
| 1990 | 2,574 | 7.7% | |
| 2000 | 2,514 | −2.3% | |
| 2010 | 2,550 | 1.4% | |
| 2020 | 2,253 | −11.6% | |
| U.S. Decennial Census | |||
In 2010, there were 2,550 people living in Dixfield. The population density was about 61.8 people per square mile. Most of the people living in Dixfield were White (96.9%).
The average age of people in Dixfield in 2010 was 41.9 years old. About 24.8% of the residents were under 18 years old.
Fun Places to Visit in Dixfield
- Dixfield Historical Society & Museum: Learn about the town's past.
- Mainely Critters Wildlife Museum: See different animals found in Maine.
- Dixfield Tuscan Opera House: A historic building that once hosted performances.
- Church on the Hill: A historic church.
- Dixfield Moose; Legend of Bullrock: Explore local legends and outdoor areas.
Education: Schools in Dixfield
Dixfield has two schools for students:
- TW Kelly Middle School: This school is for students in grades 6 through 8.
- Dirigo High School: This school serves students in grades 9 through 12.
The school mascot is a cougar, and the school color is blue. Dixfield's schools are part of the RSU56 school district.
Famous People from Dixfield
- Mace Greenleaf: An actor who performed on stage and in early movies.
- Sebastian Streeter Marble: A person who served as a U.S. congressman.
- Gideon Ellis Newman: A politician who was part of the Wisconsin State Assembly.
- Leonard Trask: A person known for a unique medical condition related to his neck.
