Sweden, Maine facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Sweden, Maine
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 Sweden, Maine
Location in Maine
Sweden, Maine
Location in the United States
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| Country | United States |
| State | Maine |
| County | Oxford |
| Incorporated | 1813 |
| Area | |
| • Total | 29.74 sq mi (77.03 km2) |
| • Land | 28.82 sq mi (74.64 km2) |
| • Water | 0.92 sq mi (2.38 km2) |
| Elevation | 663 ft (202 m) |
| Population
(2020)
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| • Total | 406 |
| • Density | 14/sq mi (5.4/km2) |
| Time zone | UTC-5 (Eastern (EST)) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-4 (EDT) |
| ZIP Code |
04040
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| Area code(s) | 207 |
| FIPS code | 23-75595 |
| GNIS feature ID | 0582759 |
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Sweden is a small town located in Oxford County, Maine, United States. It is known for its beautiful hills, forests, and ponds. In 2020, about 406 people lived there. The town also includes a smaller area called East Sweden.
Contents
History of Sweden, Maine
Early Native American History
Long ago, the land where Sweden, Maine, now stands was home to the Abenaki tribe. Their main village was called Pequawket, which is now the town of Fryeburg. The Abenaki people lived off the land, hunting and fishing.
In 1725, during a conflict known as Dummer's War, Captain John Lovewell and his soldiers attacked Pequawket. After this battle, the Abenaki tribe moved north to Canada for safety.
How Sweden Got Its Name
The area was first called New Suncook Plantation. In 1774, the Massachusetts General Court gave this land to soldiers who had served the state. In 1800, the town was officially named Lovell, in honor of Captain Lovewell.
The southeastern part of Lovell, which would later become Sweden, was first settled in 1794. Colonel Samuel Nevers from Burlington, Massachusetts was one of the first settlers. Other families soon followed, arriving from towns like Bedford and Tewksbury.
This area was first known as "Southland." On February 26, 1813, it was officially separated from Lovell and became its own town, named "Sweden." The land was good for farming, especially for growing grains. People also worked in local industries like sawmills, which made lumber, and a factory that built carriages.
Geography and Nature
Sweden, Maine, covers an area of about 29.74 square miles (77.03 square kilometers). Most of this area is land, with a small part being water. The town's natural beauty includes Plummer Brook and the Kezar River, which flow through the area.
State Route 93 crosses through Sweden. The town shares its borders with several other towns. These include Waterford to the northeast, Lovell to the northwest, Fryeburg to the southwest, and Bridgton to the southeast.
Population Changes Over Time
The number of people living in Sweden, Maine, has changed quite a bit over the years. Here's a look at the population from 1820 to 2020:
| Historical population | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Census | Pop. | %± | |
| 1820 | 249 | — | |
| 1830 | 487 | 95.6% | |
| 1840 | 670 | 37.6% | |
| 1850 | 696 | 3.9% | |
| 1860 | 728 | 4.6% | |
| 1870 | 549 | −24.6% | |
| 1880 | 474 | −13.7% | |
| 1890 | 338 | −28.7% | |
| 1900 | 282 | −16.6% | |
| 1910 | 266 | −5.7% | |
| 1920 | 225 | −15.4% | |
| 1930 | 189 | −16.0% | |
| 1940 | 225 | 19.0% | |
| 1950 | 212 | −5.8% | |
| 1960 | 119 | −43.9% | |
| 1970 | 110 | −7.6% | |
| 1980 | 163 | 48.2% | |
| 1990 | 222 | 36.2% | |
| 2000 | 324 | 45.9% | |
| 2010 | 391 | 20.7% | |
| 2020 | 406 | 3.8% | |
| U.S. Decennial Census | |||
In 2010, there were 391 people living in Sweden. The average age of residents was about 50.9 years old. This means that many people living in Sweden are adults. About 17.6% of the residents were under 18 years old.
Local Attractions
Sweden Historical Society
If you want to learn more about the town's past, you can visit the Sweden Historical Society. This place helps keep the history of Sweden alive for everyone to enjoy.
See also
In Spanish: Sweden (Maine) para niños
