kids encyclopedia robot

Manchester, Maine facts for kids

Kids Encyclopedia Facts
Quick facts for kids
Manchester, Maine
Official seal of Manchester, Maine
Seal
Motto(s): 
"The way life is!"
Location in Kennebec County and the state of Maine.
Location in Kennebec County and the state of Maine.
Country United States
State Maine
County Kennebec
Settled 1775
Incorporated (town) August 12, 1850
Area
 • Total 22.62 sq mi (58.59 km2)
 • Land 21.39 sq mi (55.40 km2)
 • Water 1.23 sq mi (3.19 km2)
Elevation
220 ft (67 m)
Population
 (2020)
 • Total 2,456
 • Density 115/sq mi (44.3/km2)
Time zone UTC-5 (Eastern (EST))
 • Summer (DST) UTC-4 (EDT)
ZIP code
04351
Area code(s) 207
FIPS code 23-43080
GNIS feature ID 0582578
Website Town of Manchester, Maine

Manchester is a small and friendly town in Kennebec County, Maine, United States. It is located at 44°20′N 69°52′W / 44.33°N 69.87°W / 44.33; -69.87. In 2020, about 2,456 people lived here.

The southern part of Manchester is next to Cobbosseecontee Lake. This area is a popular spot for fun outdoor activities. It is part of the beautiful Winthrop Lakes Region. Manchester is also near the larger cities of Augusta and Lewiston-Auburn.

History of Manchester, Maine

In the early 1800s, this area was known as "The Forks." This name likely came from where two roads or rivers met. Later, the town was officially named Manchester. It got its name from a town called Manchester, Massachusetts.

Geography and Natural Features

Manchester covers a total area of about 22.62 square miles (58.59 square kilometers). Most of this area, about 21.39 square miles (55.40 square kilometers), is land. The rest, about 1.23 square miles (3.19 square kilometers), is water. This water includes parts of lakes and rivers.

Population and People

Manchester has seen its population change over many years. Here is a look at how many people have lived in the town since 1860:

Historical population
Census Pop.
1860 813
1870 732 −10.0%
1880 623 −14.9%
1890 612 −1.8%
1900 518 −15.4%
1910 601 16.0%
1920 485 −19.3%
1930 492 1.4%
1940 626 27.2%
1950 664 6.1%
1960 1,068 60.8%
1970 1,331 24.6%
1980 1,949 46.4%
1990 2,099 7.7%
2000 2,465 17.4%
2010 2,580 4.7%
2020 2,456 −4.8%
U.S. Decennial Census

Population in 2010

In 2010, about 2,580 people lived in Manchester. There were 1,044 homes in the town. Most people living here were White (97.0%). A small number of people were from other racial backgrounds, including African American, Native American, and Asian. About 0.5% of the population was Hispanic or Latino.

The average age of people in Manchester in 2010 was 46.2 years old. About 22.6% of the residents were under 18 years old. This means Manchester is a place where many families live.

Famous People from Manchester

Manchester has been home to several notable people:

  • Shenna Bellows – She is known for her work with the Maine ACLU. She also ran for the U.S. Senate in 2014.
  • Laurie G. Lachance – She is the President of Thomas College.
  • Samantha Smith – She was a schoolgirl who became famous as a peace activist. She also worked as a child actress.
  • Walter Wheeler – He served as a member of the Maine House of Representatives from 2002 to 2010.
kids search engine
Manchester, Maine Facts for Kids. Kiddle Encyclopedia.