Newport, Maine facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Newport, Maine
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Sebasticook Lake
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 Newport, Maine
Location in Maine
Newport, Maine
Location in the United States
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| Country | United States |
| State | Maine |
| County | Penobscot |
| Area | |
| • Total | 36.97 sq mi (95.75 km2) |
| • Land | 29.50 sq mi (76.40 km2) |
| • Water | 7.47 sq mi (19.35 km2) |
| Elevation | 197 ft (60 m) |
| Population
(2020)
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| • Total | 3,133 |
| • Density | 106/sq mi (41.0/km2) |
| Time zone | UTC-5 (Eastern (EST)) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-4 (EDT) |
| ZIP code |
04953
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| Area code(s) | 207 |
| FIPS code | 23-49065 |
| GNIS feature ID | 0572149 |
Newport is a town located in Penobscot County, Maine, in the United States. In 2020, about 3,133 people lived there. The town is special because it is built around the beautiful Sebasticook Lake, with its borders following the lake's shoreline.
Contents
History of Newport
Newport was first settled around 1808. It was known as East Pond Plantation back then. On June 14, 1814, it officially became a town and was named Newport.
In the early days, farming was very important. People also worked in different industries. There were several sawmills that cut wood, and gristmills that ground grain. Other businesses included a foundry (where metal was melted and shaped), a cabinet shop that made furniture, and shops for making harnesses and for blacksmiths.
By 1859, Newport was known for making high-quality carriages. These carriages were considered some of the best in Maine. The town's population was about 1,120 people at that time.
The Maine Central Railroad came to Newport in 1868. This made Newport an important stop for trains. By 1880, the town's population grew to 1,451. More industries started, like businesses that worked with marble, granite, and slate. There was also a factory that made boots and shoes.
In 1891, a woolen mill was built, which made fabric from wool. The Aroostook Condensed Milk Company also started. This company later became the Maine Condensed Milk Company in 1894, and then Borden's Condensed Milk Company in 1902.
Movie Queen Film
In 1936, a special movie called "Movie Queen" was filmed in Newport. It was a silent, black and white film that lasted about half an hour. The movie showed the different shops and businesses in the town. Today, this film is kept safe at the Northeast Historic Film center and is owned by the Newport Historical Committee.
Fires in Newport
Newport has experienced some big fires. In 1901, a large fire destroyed the Maine Central Railroad freight depot and two mills. It also damaged 20 houses.
Later, in 1990, a fire started by two young boys burned down half of Newport's historic downtown area. The fire began in an empty building called the Yankee Café. It then spread and destroyed a pizzeria, an auto parts store, a beauty parlor, and a baseball card shop. Three of these buildings were more than 100 years old.
Modern Industry
Even today, Newport is home to an important company. The Vic Firth Company, which is part of the Avedis Zildjian Company, still makes its drumsticks and mallets in Newport. They have been doing this into the 21st century.
Geography of Newport
Newport covers a total area of about 36.97 square miles (95.75 square kilometers). Most of this area, about 29.50 square miles (76.40 square kilometers), is land. The rest, about 7.47 square miles (19.35 square kilometers), is water.
The town is located on Sebasticook Lake. Water from Newport flows into Martin Stream and the East Branch of the Sebasticook River. Sebasticook Lake is completely within the town of Newport. It is the largest lake in Maine that is entirely located within one town.
Several important roads pass through Newport. These include Interstate 95, U.S. Route 2, and state routes 7, 11, 100, and 222.
Newport shares its borders with several other towns. To the north is Corinna, to the east is Stetson, to the south are Etna and Plymouth, and to the west is Palmyra.
Population of Newport
| Historical population | |||
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| Census | Pop. | %± | |
| 1820 | 510 | — | |
| 1830 | 897 | 75.9% | |
| 1840 | 1,138 | 26.9% | |
| 1850 | 1,210 | 6.3% | |
| 1860 | 1,403 | 16.0% | |
| 1870 | 1,559 | 11.1% | |
| 1880 | 1,451 | −6.9% | |
| 1890 | 1,188 | −18.1% | |
| 1900 | 1,533 | 29.0% | |
| 1910 | 1,747 | 14.0% | |
| 1920 | 1,709 | −2.2% | |
| 1930 | 1,731 | 1.3% | |
| 1940 | 2,052 | 18.5% | |
| 1950 | 2,190 | 6.7% | |
| 1960 | 2,322 | 6.0% | |
| 1970 | 2,260 | −2.7% | |
| 1980 | 2,755 | 21.9% | |
| 1990 | 3,036 | 10.2% | |
| 2000 | 3,017 | −0.6% | |
| 2010 | 3,275 | 8.6% | |
| 2020 | 3,133 | −4.3% | |
| U.S. Decennial Census | |||
2010 Census Information
According to the 2010 census, there were 3,275 people living in Newport. These people lived in 1,410 households, and 883 of these were families. The town had about 111 people per square mile.
Most of the people living in Newport were White (96.4%). A small number of residents were African American, Native American, or Asian. Some people identified with two or more races. About 1.4% of the population was Hispanic or Latino.
The average age of people in Newport was 42.6 years old. About 22.1% of the residents were under 18 years old. About 16.2% were 65 years old or older. The population was almost evenly split between males (48.3%) and females (51.7%).
Famous People from Newport
Newport has been home to several notable individuals:
- Lewis O. Barrows served as the 57th governor of Maine.
- Cooper Flagg is a well-known basketball player.
- Kenneth Fredette was the Minority Leader in the Maine House of Representatives from 2012 to 2018.
- Donald Sidney Skidgel received the Medal of Honor. The Donald Sidney Skidgel Memorial Bridge on Route 2 in Newport is named after him.
- Joshua Tardy was the Minority Leader in the Maine House of Representatives from 2006 to 2010.
See also
In Spanish: Newport (Maine) para niños
