Livermore, Maine facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Livermore, Maine
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Location of Livermore (in yellow) in Androscoggin County and the state of Maine
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 Livermore, Maine
Location in the United States
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| Country | United States |
| State | Maine |
| County | Androscoggin |
| Villages | Livermore Livermore Center North Livermore South Livermore |
| Area | |
| • Total | 39.40 sq mi (102.05 km2) |
| • Land | 37.62 sq mi (97.44 km2) |
| • Water | 1.78 sq mi (4.61 km2) |
| Elevation | 650 ft (198 m) |
| Population
(2020)
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| • Total | 2,127 |
| • Density | 56/sq mi (21.8/km2) |
| Time zone | UTC-5 (Eastern (EST)) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-4 (EDT) |
| ZIP code |
04253
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| Area code(s) | 207 |
| FIPS code | 23-40665 |
| GNIS feature ID | 0582566 |
Livermore is a small town in Androscoggin County, Maine, United States. It used to be part of Oxford County. In 2020, about 2,127 people lived here.
Livermore is part of the larger Lewiston-Auburn area. High school students from Livermore attend Spruce Mountain High School in nearby Livermore Falls. The town is also famous for The Norlands, which was once the home of the important Washburn family.
Contents
History of Livermore
Livermore became an official town in 1795. It was the most northwestern town in Androscoggin County. The land for Livermore was originally given by the state of Massachusetts. This was a reward for people who helped in an expedition against Port Royal.
Early Settlers and Naming
The town was named after Deacon Elijah Livermore. He was a pioneer settler who came from Waltham, Massachusetts. Deacon Elijah Livermore arrived in 1779. He built the first mill near Long Pond in 1782. Another early settler was Major Thomas Fish. He was a soldier in the Continental Army during the American Revolution. Major Fish died in Livermore in 1781.
Changes in County Lines
When Livermore became a town in 1795, a county line was set up along the Androscoggin River. This river divides Livermore from other towns like East Livermore and Leeds.
Over the years, Livermore's county changed several times:
- From 1760 to 1805, Livermore was in Cumberland and Lincoln Counties.
- In 1805, it became part of Oxford County.
- Later, East Livermore separated and joined Kennebec County.
- Finally, on March 31, 1854, Livermore and Livermore Falls officially joined the newly formed Androscoggin County.
Farming and Industry
In the early 1800s, Livermore was mostly farmland. Farmers produced dairy products for markets across New England. As the 19th century went on, Livermore grew with the Industrial Revolution. The town played important roles in paper mills, logging, and lumber industries. Livermore is also known for its long and round ponds in the northern part of town.
Community Life and Notable Families
The first church in Livermore was built in 1793. Today, Livermore has several churches. In 1880, important citizens included Jonathan G. Hunton and General David Learned. Governor Reuel Washburn was also from Livermore.
The Norlands Living History Center
Livermore is well known for the Washburn-Norlands Living History Center. This center is located at 290 Norlands Road. It is also called the Israel Washburn Homestead. The Washburn-Norlands foundation turned the Washburn family home into a historical museum. Its goal is to share stories from the 19th and 20th centuries. It also helps protect the land and buildings.
Many buildings at the Norlands Living History Center are still used today. These include the 1867 mansion, an 1853 schoolhouse, an 1828 meeting house, and an 1883 library. The Washburn home still holds family memories. These include historical clothing, photos, furniture, books, and artwork.
The Norlands allows visitors to experience life in Maine during the 18th and 19th centuries. It was the family home of Israel Washburn. He was an important leader in industry and politics in the 1800s. The Norlands opened as a museum in 1821. It offers many activities to learn about the Washburn family's rural life.
The Norlands Living History Center includes:
- The famous Norlands mansion
- A 19th-century schoolhouse
- A special library for the Washburn family
- A barn for farm animals
- A meeting house
- A farmer's cottage
Sadly, the farmer's cottage and barn burned down in April 2008. The farmer's cottage was rebuilt and reopened in early 2011. The barn is still waiting to be rebuilt.
Geography of Livermore
According to the United States Census Bureau, Livermore covers about 39.40 square miles (102.05 square kilometers). Most of this area, about 37.62 square miles (97.44 square kilometers), is land. The remaining 1.78 square miles (4.61 square kilometers) is water.
Bodies of Water
Livermore is home to five lakes and ponds. The largest of these is Long Pond.
| Name of Lake or Pond | Area in Acres | Other Adjoining Towns or Cities |
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| Bartlett Pond | 26 | none |
| Brettun's Pond | 165 | none |
| Long Pond | 208 | none |
| Nelson Pond | 18 | Canton |
| Round Pond | 161 | none |
Population and People
| Historical population | |||
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| Census | Pop. | %± | |
| 1800 | 863 | — | |
| 1810 | 1,560 | 80.8% | |
| 1820 | 2,174 | 39.4% | |
| 1830 | 2,453 | 12.8% | |
| 1840 | 2,745 | 11.9% | |
| 1850 | 1,764 | −35.7% | |
| 1860 | 1,597 | −9.5% | |
| 1870 | 1,467 | −8.1% | |
| 1880 | 1,262 | −14.0% | |
| 1890 | 1,151 | −8.8% | |
| 1900 | 1,125 | −2.3% | |
| 1910 | 1,100 | −2.2% | |
| 1920 | 1,064 | −3.3% | |
| 1930 | 1,113 | 4.6% | |
| 1940 | 1,302 | 17.0% | |
| 1950 | 1,313 | 0.8% | |
| 1960 | 1,363 | 3.8% | |
| 1970 | 1,610 | 18.1% | |
| 1980 | 1,826 | 13.4% | |
| 1990 | 1,950 | 6.8% | |
| 2000 | 2,106 | 8.0% | |
| 2010 | 2,095 | −0.5% | |
| 2020 | 2,127 | 1.5% | |
| U.S. Decennial Census | |||
2010 Census Information
In 2010, Livermore had 2,095 people living in 889 households. Most residents were White (98.5%). About 27% of households had children under 18. Most households (57%) were married couples. The average age in Livermore was 44.4 years old. About 20.2% of residents were under 18.
Education in Livermore
Livermore is part of RSU #73, which is a school district. This district also includes the towns of Livermore Falls and Jay.
Spruce Mountain High School
Students from Livermore attend Spruce Mountain High School. This public high school is located in Jay, Maine. It has served students from Jay, Livermore, and Livermore Falls since 2011. Spruce Mountain High School was formed when the Jay School Department and RSU #36 joined together.
The school's name, "Spruce Mountain," comes from a local ski slope. This ski slope is popular with students and residents from all three towns in the winter. The school colors are Black, Green, and White. The school mascot is the Phoenix.
Notable People from Livermore
Many interesting people have come from Livermore:
- Elijah Hamlin – He was a mayor of Bangor, Maine.
- Timothy O. Howe – He served as a US senator from Wisconsin.
- Deacon Elijah Livermore – One of the very first settlers in the area.
- Dorilus Morrison – The first mayor of Minneapolis. He was a cousin of the Washburn family.
- Jonathan Smith – A resident of East Livermore until 1854.
- Cadwallader Colden Washburn (1818–1882) – A general during the Civil War. He was also the 11th governor of Wisconsin. Washburn County is named after him.
- Charles Ames Washburn (1822–1889) – A diplomat who served in Paraguay. He also invented an early typewriter.
- Elihu B. Washburne (1816–1887) – A US congressman from Illinois. He was also the Minister to France during important historical events. He served as the 25th United States Secretary of State.
- Ganem W. Washburn (1823–1907) – A Wisconsin State Senator and judge. He was a cousin of the Washburn family.
- Israel Washburn, Jr. (1813–1883) – He was a Maine state congressman and a US congressman. He also served as the 29th governor of Maine.
- John Washburn Jr (1621–1686)
- William D. Washburn (1831–1912) – A state congressman and US congressman and senator for Minnesota.
- Ebenezer Whittemore – A blacksmith from East Livermore.
See also
In Spanish: Livermore (Maine) para niños
