Mattawamkeag, Maine facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Mattawamkeag, Maine
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 Mattawamkeag, Maine
Location in Maine
Mattawamkeag, Maine
Location in the United States
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| Country | United States |
| State | Maine |
| County | Penobscot |
| Area | |
| • Total | 38.04 sq mi (98.52 km2) |
| • Land | 37.73 sq mi (97.72 km2) |
| • Water | 0.31 sq mi (0.80 km2) |
| Elevation | 413 ft (126 m) |
| Population
(2020)
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| • Total | 596 |
| • Density | 16/sq mi (6.1/km2) |
| Time zone | UTC-5 (Eastern (EST)) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-4 (EDT) |
| ZIP code |
04459
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| Area code(s) | 207 |
| FIPS code | 23-44270 |
| GNIS feature ID | 0582585 |
Mattawamkeag is a small town in Penobscot County, Maine, United States. It is located where the Mattawamkeag River flows into the larger Penobscot River. In 2020, about 596 people lived there. The main village of Mattawamkeag is in the southwestern part of the town.
Contents
Railroad History in Mattawamkeag
Mattawamkeag has a very close connection to the railroad. Trains have played a big part in its history.
Early Railroad Lines
The European and North American Railway built tracks up the Penobscot River valley. These tracks reached Mattawamkeag in 1869. By October 1871, the line was finished all the way to Vanceboro. From Vanceboro, it connected to Saint John, New Brunswick, in Canada.
Later, in 1882, the Maine Central Railroad started leasing this section of track. They officially bought it in 1955.
Canadian Pacific Railway's Role
In 1889, another important railway, the International Railway of Maine, was completed. This line connected Megantic, Quebec, to Mattawamkeag. Here, it linked up with the Maine Central line.
The company that owned the International Railway was the Canadian Pacific (CPR). CPR was allowed to use the Maine Central tracks from Mattawamkeag to Vanceboro. This meant Mattawamkeag became a stop on Canadian Pacific's main line. This line stretched all the way from Saint John to Vancouver, British Columbia.
In 1974, CPR bought the Mattawamkeag-Vanceboro tracks from Maine Central. Later, in 1988, CPR moved its tracks east of Megantic to a company called Canadian Atlantic Railway. In 1994, Canadian Atlantic was sold. The railway line that goes through Mattawamkeag was bought by J. D. Irving. Today, it is run by the Eastern Maine Railway.
Modern Rail Operations
The Maine Central Railroad was bought by Guilford Transportation Industries in 1981. It became part of the Guilford Rail System, which is now called Pan Am Railways. Pan Am Railways is now part of a bigger network called CSX Transportation. Mattawamkeag is special because it is the northernmost and easternmost point on the entire CSX Transportation network.
Historic Buildings and Landmarks
The George W. Smith Homestead is a historic house in Mattawamkeag. It was built in 1874. This building is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. This means it is an important historical site.
Geography of Mattawamkeag
Mattawamkeag covers a total area of about 38.04 square miles (98.52 square kilometers). Most of this area, about 37.73 square miles (97.72 square kilometers), is land. The rest, about 0.31 square miles (0.80 square kilometers), is water.
Population and People
The number of people living in Mattawamkeag has changed over the years. Here's a look at the population from different census counts:
| Historical population | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Census | Pop. | %± | |
| 1820 | 7 | — | |
| 1830 | 16 | 128.6% | |
| 1860 | 280 | — | |
| 1870 | 356 | 27.1% | |
| 1880 | 456 | 28.1% | |
| 1890 | 633 | 38.8% | |
| 1900 | 527 | −16.7% | |
| 1910 | 517 | −1.9% | |
| 1920 | 553 | 7.0% | |
| 1930 | 461 | −16.6% | |
| 1940 | 843 | 82.9% | |
| 1950 | 803 | −4.7% | |
| 1960 | 945 | 17.7% | |
| 1970 | 988 | 4.6% | |
| 1980 | 1,000 | 1.2% | |
| 1990 | 830 | −17.0% | |
| 2000 | 825 | −0.6% | |
| 2010 | 687 | −16.7% | |
| 2020 | 596 | −13.2% | |
| U.S. Decennial Census | |||
What the 2010 Census Showed
In 2010, the census counted 687 people living in Mattawamkeag. These people lived in 317 households, and 197 of these were families. The town had about 18.2 people per square mile. There were 407 housing units, with about 10.8 units per square mile.
Most of the people in town, 98.0%, were White. A small number were Native American (0.9%) or from other backgrounds. About 0.6% of the population was Hispanic or Latino.
- About 20.2% of households had children under 18 living there.
- Almost half (47.6%) of households were married couples living together.
- About 31.5% of all households were made up of just one person.
- Around 12.9% of households had someone aged 65 or older living alone.
The average age in Mattawamkeag was 50.4 years old.
- 15.1% of residents were under 18.
- 5.9% were between 18 and 24.
- 18% were between 25 and 44.
- 41.5% were between 45 and 64.
- 19.5% were 65 or older.
The town had slightly more males (50.9%) than females (49.1%).
Famous People from Mattawamkeag
- Mary F. Cahill: She was a state legislator, meaning she helped make laws for the state.
- Steve Clifford: He is a professional basketball coach.
See also
In Spanish: Mattawamkeag (Maine) para niños
