Otisfield, Maine facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Otisfield, Maine
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 Otisfield, Maine
Location in Maine
Otisfield, Maine
Location in the United States
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| Country | United States |
| State | Maine |
| County | Oxford |
| Incorporated | 1798 |
| Area | |
| • Total | 44.25 sq mi (114.61 km2) |
| • Land | 39.93 sq mi (103.42 km2) |
| • Water | 4.32 sq mi (11.19 km2) |
| Elevation | 666 ft (203 m) |
| Population
(2020)
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| • Total | 1,853 |
| • Density | 46/sq mi (17.9/km2) |
| Time zone | UTC-5 (Eastern (EST)) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-4 (EDT) |
| ZIP Code |
04270
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| Area code(s) | 207 |
| FIPS code | 23-55960 |
| GNIS feature ID | 0582655 |
Otisfield is a small town in Oxford County, Maine, United States. It's part of the larger Lewiston-Auburn area. In 2020, about 1,853 people lived here. Otisfield is a popular spot for summer fun and is home to two well-known camps: Seeds of Peace Camp and Camp Arcadia.
Contents
Discovering Otisfield's Past
How Otisfield Began
Otisfield was first given as land on June 15, 1771. It was a gift from the Massachusetts General Court to James Otis, Jr., Nathaniel Gorham, and others. This land was for the families of soldiers who fought in the 1690 Battle of Quebec.
Many of the first people to settle here were soldiers from the American Revolutionary War. Most of them came from a town called Groton, Massachusetts. The area was first known as Otis Field Plantation. It officially became a town on February 19, 1798, and was named Otisfield.
Changes Over Time
Otisfield used to be much larger. Parts of it became the towns of Harrison in 1805 and Naples in 1834. For a long time, Otisfield was part of Cumberland County. But in 1978, it joined Oxford County.
Life and Work in Early Otisfield
The land in Otisfield is hilly but good for growing crops. Farming was the main job for people back then. They grew things like corn, potatoes, and hay.
People built mills near rivers to use the power of the water. The first sawmill was built in 1812. Other businesses included gristmills (for grinding grain), blacksmith shops, and a place to make leather called a tannery. There were also factories for pants, shoes, and even a place to make cider from apples. They also made barrels and shingles.
Today, Otisfield is mostly a place for fun and relaxation. Many camps and summer homes are found along the shores of beautiful lakes like Pleasant Lake, Thompson Lake, Saturday Pond, and Moose Pond.
Otisfield's Location and Landscape
Where is Otisfield?
Otisfield covers about 44.25 square miles (114.61 square kilometers). Most of this area is land, and about 4.32 square miles (11.19 square kilometers) is water. The Crooked River flows through the town.
Neighboring Towns and Roads
You can reach Otisfield using state routes 117 and 121. It shares borders with several other towns:
- Norway to the north
- Oxford to the northeast
- Poland to the east
- Casco and Naples to the south
- Harrison to the west
Population of Otisfield
How Many People Live Here?
The number of people living in Otisfield has changed a lot over the years.
| Historical population | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Census | Pop. | %± | |
| 1790 | 197 | — | |
| 1800 | 450 | 128.4% | |
| 1810 | 912 | 102.7% | |
| 1820 | 1,107 | 21.4% | |
| 1830 | 1,274 | 15.1% | |
| 1840 | 1,307 | 2.6% | |
| 1850 | 1,171 | −10.4% | |
| 1860 | 1,199 | 2.4% | |
| 1870 | 1,099 | −8.3% | |
| 1880 | 927 | −15.7% | |
| 1890 | 838 | −9.6% | |
| 1900 | 728 | −13.1% | |
| 1910 | 632 | −13.2% | |
| 1920 | 581 | −8.1% | |
| 1930 | 568 | −2.2% | |
| 1940 | 488 | −14.1% | |
| 1950 | 599 | 22.7% | |
| 1960 | 549 | −8.3% | |
| 1970 | 589 | 7.3% | |
| 1980 | 897 | 52.3% | |
| 1990 | 1,136 | 26.6% | |
| 2000 | 1,560 | 37.3% | |
| 2010 | 1,770 | 13.5% | |
| 2020 | 1,853 | 4.7% | |
| U.S. Decennial Census | |||
In 2010, there were 1,770 people living in Otisfield. The average age of people in town was about 44.8 years old.
Seeds of Peace Camp
Otisfield is famous for being the home of the Seeds of Peace Camp. This camp has been in Otisfield since it started in 1993. It is located right on Pleasant Lake, on the land where Camp Powhatan used to be. By 2022, more than 8,000 young people had attended the Seeds of Peace Camp. The camp brings together young leaders from areas of conflict around the world to learn about peace and understanding.
Places to Visit
- Otisfield Historical Society: A great place to learn more about the town's history.
Famous People from Otisfield
- Horace A. Barrows: He was a doctor in the 1800s. He made medicines from plants and believed in eating a vegetarian diet.
