Winthrop, Maine | |
|---|---|
 Seal  Logo | |
| Nicknames: Pond Town, Apple Valley | |
 Location inKennebec County and the state ofMaine. | |
| Coordinates:44°18′42″N69°58′24″W / 44.31167°N 69.97333°W /44.31167; -69.97333 | |
| Country | United States |
| State | Maine |
| County | Kennebec |
| Settled | 1765 |
| Incorporated | 1771 |
| Villages | Winthrop East Winthrop Sturtevant Hill Winthrop Center |
| Government | |
| • Type | Council-Manager |
| • Town Manager | Anthony Wilson |
| • Town Council Chair | Shannon McDonnell |
| • Governing body | WinthropTown Council |
| • State Representative | Tavis Hasenfus (D-81) |
| • State Senator | Craig Hickman (D-14) |
| Area | |
• Total | 37.90 sq mi (98.16 km2) |
| • Land | 31.22 sq mi (80.86 km2) |
| • Water | 6.68 sq mi (17.30 km2) |
| Elevation | 305 ft (93 m) |
| Population (2020) | |
• Total | 6,121 |
| • Density | 196/sq mi (75.7/km2) |
| Time zone | UTC-5 (Eastern (EST)) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-4 (EDT) |
| ZIP code(s) | 04364 |
| Area code | 207 |
| GNIS feature ID | 582824[2] |
| Website | www |
Winthrop is atown inKennebec County,Maine, United States. Winthrop is included in theLewiston-Auburn, Maine metropolitan New England city and town area. The population was 6,121 at the2020 census.[3] Winthrop's population, however, approximately doubles during the summer months as part-year residents return to seasonal camps located on the shores of Winthrop's Lakes and Ponds. A recreational area located among lakes, the town includes the villages ofWinthrop andEast Winthrop, and is the center of theWinthrop Lakes Region. Winthrop is also included in theAugusta, Maine MicropolitanNew England City and Town Area.
The town is defined by several significantbodies of water, includingMaranacook Lake,Annabessacook Lake,Cobbossee Lake, and theNarrows (Upper and Lower Ponds). These lakes and ponds are central to the town's identity and offer numerous recreational opportunities such as boating, fishing, and swimming, with theLadies Delight Lighthouse on Cobbossee Lake being a unique landmark.
First called Pondtown for its lakes and ponds, it was settled byTimothy Foster in 1765. On April 26, 1771, Pondtown Plantation was incorporated by theMassachusetts General Court as Winthrop,[4] named for the first colonial governor ofMassachusetts,John Winthrop.[5]Readfield was set off and incorporated in 1791. The surface of the town is uneven, but with good land that yieldedhay, grain and apples. Winthrop became noted for itsorchards and cattle.[6]
At the outlet ofMaranacook Lake intoAnnabessacook Lake, John Chandler built asawmill in 1768, and then added agristmill. Other industries followed, including afulling mill,tannery andblacksmith shop. The Winthrop Woolen & Cotton Manufactory was incorporated in 1809, and in 1814 went into operation. By 1886, the town had a sawmill which manufactured about 200,000 feet oflumber every year, two oil cloth factories, asash andblind factory, and afoundry andmachine shop.[7] TheMaine Central Railroad opened to the village, carryingfreight and tourists. Winthrop and its lakes developed into a summer resort, which it remains today.[8]
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Winthrop has historically referred to its regions by directional names. Other than Winthrop Village and East Winthrop, their boundaries are not firmly established and tend to vary from person to person. Winthrop has several villages and areas that can be classified as neighborhoods. Some of them are:
Winthrop is acommuter town[15] andsuburb of bothLewiston–Auburn andAugusta.[16] It is located just 3 miles west of Maine's capital city, Augusta, and 15 miles east ofLewiston. Nearly 10% of Winthrop's housing is seasonal.[17] Thedowntown is situated between Maranacook and Annabessacook Lake.
According to theUnited States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 37.90 square miles (98.16 km2), of which 31.22 square miles (80.86 km2) is land and 6.68 square miles (17.30 km2) is water.[1] Winthrop is drained by Hoyt Brook.
The town is crossed byU. S. Route 202 and state routes11,41,100,133 and135. It is bordered by the towns ofManchester to the east,Monmouth to the south,Wayne to the west, andReadfield to the north.
Winthrop is also home toMt. Pisgah (pronounced pis-guh, from the Hebrew word for summit or lookout), which is 807ft above sea level[18] and home to the Maine Fire Services watch tower[19] that was in service from 1949 to 1992, when air patrols rendered it obsolete. The tower still stands to this day and is accessible by a hiking trail.
Winthrop’s climate is classified ashumid continental climate (KöppenDfa), characterized by pronounced seasonal variation. The town endures extended winters with cold temperatures and frequent snowfall, contrasted by warm to hot summers that often bring higher humidity. The intervening spring and autumn seasons are comparatively brief and noted for cooler, brisk weather. Rainfall is distributed fairly evenly across the year, with winter precipitation commonly falling as snow.
| Census | Pop. | Note | %± |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1790 | 1,226 | — | |
| 1800 | 1,219 | −0.6% | |
| 1810 | 1,444 | 18.5% | |
| 1820 | 1,619 | 12.1% | |
| 1830 | 1,888 | 16.6% | |
| 1840 | 1,915 | 1.4% | |
| 1850 | 2,154 | 12.5% | |
| 1860 | 2,338 | 8.5% | |
| 1870 | 2,229 | −4.7% | |
| 1880 | 2,146 | −3.7% | |
| 1890 | 2,111 | −1.6% | |
| 1900 | 2,088 | −1.1% | |
| 1910 | 2,114 | 1.2% | |
| 1920 | 1,902 | −10.0% | |
| 1930 | 2,334 | 22.7% | |
| 1940 | 2,508 | 7.5% | |
| 1950 | 3,026 | 20.7% | |
| 1960 | 3,537 | 16.9% | |
| 1970 | 4,335 | 22.6% | |
| 1980 | 5,889 | 35.8% | |
| 1990 | 5,968 | 1.3% | |
| 2000 | 6,232 | 4.4% | |
| 2010 | 6,092 | −2.2% | |
| 2020 | 6,121 | 0.5% | |
| Source:US Census[20] | |||
As of 2020 themedian income for a household in the town was $82,858, and theper capita income was $38,926. 13.9% of the population was below the poverty line. Out of the total population, 29% of those under the age of 18 and 4% of those 65 and older were living below the poverty line.
Winthrop has historically been known as a fast-growing suburban town, and saw its population triple during the 20th century. Its growth rate has slowed in recent years, and saw a decline in the2010 census for the first time in almost a century, but increased slightly in the2020 census. Winthrop has always been the largest in population municipality inKennebec County that was classified as a town and not a city.[21]Oakland surpassed Winthrop's population in the 2010 census.[22]
As of the census of 2020, there were 6,121 people and 2,583 households residing in the town.[23] The population density was 196 inhabitants per square mile (76/km2). There were 3,342 housing units at an average density of 107 per square mile (41/km2). The racial makeup of the town was 90.1%White, 5%Black orAfrican American, 0.1%Native American, 0.2%Asian, and 4.3% from two or more races. 0% of the population wereHispanic orLatino of any race.
There were 2,583 households, of which 53% were married couples living together. The average household size was 2.4.
In the town, the population was spread out, with 5.7% under the age of 5, 23.5% under the age of 18, and 22.9% 65 or older. The median age was 43.3 years. The female population was 51.7% and male population 48.3%.
As of the census of 2010, there were 6,092 people, 2,598 households, and 1,740 families residing in the town.[23] The population density was 195.3 inhabitants per square mile (75.4/km2). There were 3,295 housing units at an average density of 105.6 per square mile (40.8/km2). The racial makeup of the town was 97.6% White, 0.3% Black or African American, 0.2% Native American, 0.3% Asian, and 1.4% from two or more races. 1.0% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race.
There were 2,598 households, of which 28.2% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 52.3% were married couples living together, 10.1% had a female householder with no husband present, and 33% were non-families. 26.9% of all households were made up of individuals, and 9.5% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.31 and the average family size was 2.76.
In the town, the population was spread out, with 22.3% under the age of 20, 9% from 20 to 29, 17.1% from 30 to 44, 34.2% from 45 to 64, and 17.1% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 46 years. The female population was 51.6% and male population 48.4%.
Winthrop Public Schools is an independent school district serving approximately 840 students in grades Pre-K–12. Winthrop's schools are governed by the Winthrop School Board.[24] The five-member group consists of elected representatives from Winthrop. The members serve two-year terms and conduct monthly meetings that are open to the public.Winthrop operates three schools:
Winthrop is also home to the Monmouth/Winthrop Adult Education.
Winthrop uses theCouncil-Manager form of government, in which the Town Council is the primary governing authority. The Winthrop Town Council consists of seven elected members. The Town Council appoints and confirms both theTown Manager, and theTown Attorney. The Town Manager, in turn, appoints the Finance Director, and Clerk. In addition to these positions, Winthrop has several departments used to provide the services necessary to the town.
The framework for the town government is defined in theMunicipal charter.
Winthrop is known as beingpolitically moderate, and consistently votes for both liberals and conservatives for local, state, and national offices. In the2020 presidential election,Joe Biden received 1,963 of the town's votes toDonald Trump's 1,649,[25] and in the2024 presidential election,Kamala Harris received 1,995 of the town's votes to Trump's 1,911. The Town voted in 2012 on areferendum to allow same-sex marriage 53% to 47%.[26] Voter registration in the town reflects a balanced political landscape, with Democrats, Republicans, and unenrolled voters each comprising roughly one third of the electorate:
| Voter Registration and Party Enrollment as of June 2024[27] | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Party | Total Voters | Percentage | |||
| Democratic | 1476 | 32.9% | |||
| Republican | 1429 | 31.8% | |||
| Independent | 1350 | 30% | |||
| Green Independent | 221 | 4.9% | |||
| Libertarian | 13 | 0.3% | |||
| Total | 4,489 | 100% | |||
ThreeMaine state highways and oneU.S. highway pass through the town of Winthrop, while two state highways originate inWinthrop Village and extend outward to neighboring communities:
The nearest full service commercial airports arePortland International Jetport, located approximately 55 miles away, andBangor International Airport, about 85 miles from town. Limited commercial service is also available atAugusta State Airport, located roughly 6 miles away inAugusta, with flights toBoston.CSX Transportation, aClass I freight railroad operating in the eastern United States and the Canadian provinces ofOntario andQuebec, also passes through Winthrop regularly.Concord Coach Lines providespublic transport bus service at the Augusta Transportation Center, located approximately 6 miles from town. Regional public transportation is also available in nearby Augusta through Kennebec Explorer, operated by KVCAP.
Winthrop is home to Norcross Point, located in the center of the downtown Winthrop Village area. Along with the adjacent Maranacook Beach, it has provided public waterfront access and outdoor recreational opportunities since the1970s.[28] The site includes a public boat launch and docks, a designated swimming area, public restrooms, agazebo, park amenities,veterans memorials, andpedestrian walkways. The village is also home to theCharles M. Bailey Public Library which serves the town of Winthrop and surrounding communities.[29] Founded in 1916, the library is located on Bowdoin Street and hosts a range of cultural programming, including lectures, film screenings, and musical performances. The village also contains a historic textile mill complex at 149-151 Main Street known as theWinthrop Mills Company. Developed mainly between the late 19th and mid-20th centuries, it was the nation's largest manufacturer of woolen blankets for many years, and a major local employer for about 150 years. It was listed on theNational Register of Historic Places in 2014.[30]
Winthrop’sEast Side is home toLadies Delight Light, a smalllighthouse located onCobbossee Lake. Constructed in 1908, it is believed to be the only active inland waters lighthouse in Maine. The tower stands 25 feet (7.6 m) tall and is equipped with a solar powered dual level LED marine beacon that operates nightly throughout the year. At the time of its construction, it was the only inland lake lighthouse east of theMississippi River.[31] The lighthouse was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1984.[30] East Winthrop is also home to theMoses Bailey House, a historic residence located at 209 Winthrop Center Road. Built around 1853, with additionalItalianate stylistic elements added in 1870, it is considered one of Winthrop’s finest surviving mid 19th century farmhouses. The property was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1984.[30] This area of Winthrop also includes the Horseshoe Island Preserve, a 24 acre conservation area located on Cobbossee Lake.[32] The island is accessible by boat during the summer months and is used forcross-country skiing andsnowshoeing in winter. The preserve features undeveloped shoreline and trails that pass throughmature white pine andhemlock forest.
The western portion of the town is home toMount Pisgah. The 60 footAermotor fire tower, owned and maintained by the Town of Winthrop and the Kennebec Land Trust, is open to the public.[33] From the tower, visitors can access panoramic views extending east to theCamden Hills and west toMount Washington in New Hampshire.[34]
Winthrop is at the center of the Winthrop Lakes Region, which is situated betweenLewiston andAugusta, Maine, and centered around six major bodies of water:Androscoggin Lake,Annabessacook Lake,Cobbosseecontee Lake,Echo Lake,Maranacook Lake andParker Pond, in addition to numerous smaller bodies of water. Besides Winthrop, the region includes the towns ofFayette,Readfield, andMount Vernon to the north,Manchester to the east,Monmouth to the south, andWayne to the west.[35] The northern part of Mount Vernon is considered to be part of theBelgrade Lakes Region.[36] The region is a popular recreation area in central Maine, with over three dozenLakes andponds offering a variety ofboating, hiking, cycling,camping and fishing opportunities. The area is also home to numerous shoreline events, concerts and festivals.[37][38][39][40][41]
The Winthrop Lakes Region includes the following bodies of water:
| Name | Area (acres) | Volume (acre-feet) | Adjoining towns |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cobbosseecontee Lake* | 5,543 | 127,371 | Litchfield, Manchester, Monmouth, West Gardiner, Winthrop |
| Androscoggin Lake | 4,020 | 56,736 | Leeds, Wayne |
| Maranacook Lake | 1,844 | 48,020 | Readfield, Winthrop |
| Parker Pond | 1,524 | 41,636 | Fayette, Vienna |
| Annabessacook Lake | 1,415 | 23,892 | Monmouth, Winthrop |
| Echo Lake (Crotched Pond) | 1,109 | 23,134 | Fayette, Mount Vernon, Readfield |
| Torsey (Greeley) Lake | 679 | 7,078 | Mount Vernon, Readfield |
| Pocasset Lake | 605 | 7,225 | Wayne |
| Wilson Pond | 588 | 9,510 | Monmouth, Wayne, Winthrop |
| Woodbury (Purgatory) Pond (Tacoma Lakes) | 513 | 7,296 | Litchfield, Monmouth |
| Cochnewagon Pond | 394 | 7,208 | Monmouth |
| Lovejoy Pond | 379 | 4,365 | Fayette, Readfield, Wayne |
| David Pond | 302 | 2,852 | Chesterville, Fayette |
| Sand Pond (Tacoma Lakes) | 279 | 6,798 | Litchfield, Monmouth |
| Upper Narrows Pond | 239 | 4,951 | Winthrop |
| Lower Narrows Pond | 223 | 5,842 | Winthrop |
| Carlton Pond | 223 | 5,270 | Readfield, Winthrop |
| Berry Pond | 175 | 1,493 | Wayne, Winthrop |
| Pickerel Pond | 128 | 1,459 | Wayne |
| Tilton Pond | 116 | 1,586 | Fayette |
| Dexter Pond | 113 | 995 | Wayne, Winthrop |
| Apple Valley Lake | 101 | 238 | Winthrop |
| Little Cobbosseecontee | 91 | 894 | Winthrop |
| Hales Pond | 76 | 929 | Fayette |
| Taylor (Mill) Pond | 75 | Mount Vernon | |
| Mosher (Lane's) Pond | 70 | 945 | Fayette |
| Shed Pond | 51 | 219 | Manchester, Readfield |
| Echo Lake Outlet Pond | 51 | Fayette | |
| Silver Lake (Figure Eight Pond) | 34 | 495 | Manchester, Sidney |
| Basin Pond | 33 | 1,355 | Fayette |
| Bog Pond | 26 | 246 | Readfield |
| Tyler Pond | 25 | 451 | Manchester |
| Burgess Pond | 24 | 226 | Fayette |
| Desert Pond | 22 | 363 | Mount Vernon |
| Kezar Pond | 20 | 250 | Winthrop |
| Mud Pond | 18 | 170 | Monmouth |
| Mill Pond | 18 | Readfield | |
| Cranberry Pond | 17 | 170 | Fayette |
| Fairbanks Pond | 16 | 122 | Manchester |
| Brainard Pond | 15 | Readfield | |
| Muddy Pond | 11 | Wayne |
*Cobbosseecontee Lake (known locally as Cobbossee) is nationally recognized as one of the top bass-fishing lakes in America due to its impressivelargemouth population.[42] Cobbossee also has the only active inland waters lighthouse in Maine,Ladies Delight Light.
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Municipalities and communities ofKennebec County, Maine,United States | ||
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