Freedom, Maine facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Freedom, Maine
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Freedom Falls c. 1907
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Location of Freedom (in yellow) in Waldo County and the state of Maine
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| Country | United States |
| State | Maine |
| County | Waldo |
| Incorporated | 1813 |
| Area | |
| • Total | 22.22 sq mi (57.55 km2) |
| • Land | 21.52 sq mi (55.74 km2) |
| • Water | 0.70 sq mi (1.81 km2) |
| Elevation | 554 ft (169 m) |
| Population
(2020)
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| • Total | 711 |
| • Density | 33/sq mi (12.8/km2) |
| Time zone | UTC-5 (Eastern (EST)) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-4 (EDT) |
| ZIP code |
04941
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| Area code(s) | 207 |
| FIPS code | 23-26420 |
| GNIS feature ID | 0582480 |
| Website | http://www.freedomme.org/ |
Freedom is a small and peaceful town located in Waldo County, Maine, United States. In 2020, about 711 people lived there. The town is known for its quiet neighborhoods and places to relax outdoors.
Contents
History of Freedom
Early Settlement and Naming
The area where Freedom is now located was once part of the Plymouth Patent. This was a large piece of land granted to early settlers. In 1794, a soldier from the American Revolutionary War, Stephen Smith, settled here.
At first, the area was called Smithstown Plantation. Later, it was known as Beaver Hill Plantation. During the War of 1812, the town officially became a town on June 11, 1813. It was given the name Freedom, which had a special meaning related to politics at the time.
Growth and Industries
In 1836, Freedom Academy was started, providing education for the community. The town's population changed over the years. In 1870, there were 716 people, and by 1880, the population was 652.
Farmers in Freedom mainly grew hay and potatoes. Sandy Stream, which gets its water from Sandy and Duck ponds, was very important. It provided water power for the town's early factories and mills.
Local industries included a flour mill, a corn mill, and a sawmill that cut long pieces of lumber. There was also a mill for shingles and a factory that made shovel handles. Other businesses included a mill for carding (preparing wool), a clothing and woolen mill, and a tannery for making leather.
Geography and Nature
Location and Waterways
Freedom is located in Waldo County, Maine. According to the United States Census Bureau, the town covers about 22.22 square miles (57.55 square kilometers). Most of this area, about 21.52 square miles (55.74 square kilometers), is land.
The rest, about 0.70 square miles (1.81 square kilometers), is water. The main body of water is Sandy (Freedom) Pond, which is about 420 acres in size. Sandy Stream flows through Freedom, draining water from the area.
Population and People
| Historical population | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Census | Pop. | %± | |
| 1820 | 788 | — | |
| 1830 | 867 | 10.0% | |
| 1840 | 1,153 | 33.0% | |
| 1850 | 948 | −17.8% | |
| 1860 | 849 | −10.4% | |
| 1870 | 716 | −15.7% | |
| 1880 | 652 | −8.9% | |
| 1890 | 510 | −21.8% | |
| 1900 | 479 | −6.1% | |
| 1910 | 780 | 62.8% | |
| 1920 | 460 | −41.0% | |
| 1930 | 422 | −8.3% | |
| 1940 | 492 | 16.6% | |
| 1950 | 466 | −5.3% | |
| 1960 | 406 | −12.9% | |
| 1970 | 373 | −8.1% | |
| 1980 | 458 | 22.8% | |
| 1990 | 593 | 29.5% | |
| 2000 | 645 | 8.8% | |
| 2010 | 719 | 11.5% | |
| 2020 | 711 | −1.1% | |
| U.S. Decennial Census | |||
Understanding the 2010 Census
The 2010 census helps us understand the people living in Freedom. In 2010, there were 719 people and 292 households in the town. A household is a group of people living together in one home.
Most of the people in Freedom were White, making up about 97.9% of the population. A small number of people were from other racial backgrounds. About 1.3% of the population identified as Hispanic or Latino.
Family Life in Freedom
Out of the 292 households, about 27.4% had children under 18 living with them. More than half, 52.1%, were married couples living together. Some households had a single parent, with 8.9% having a female head of household and 4.8% having a male head of household.
The average household had about 2.46 people. For families, the average size was 2.91 people. About 10.3% of households had someone aged 65 or older living alone.
Age and Gender in the Town
The average age of people in Freedom in 2010 was 44.7 years old. About 22.7% of residents were under 18 years old. People aged 45 to 64 made up the largest group, at 34.9%.
The population was almost evenly split between genders. About 49.1% of the residents were male, and 50.9% were female.
Notable People from Freedom
- George Willard Coy: An American mechanic and inventor who was a pioneer in telephone technology.
- Daniel F. Davis: He served as the 37th governor of Maine.
See also
In Spanish: Freedom (Maine) para niños
