Oakland, Maine
|
|
Oakland is a town in Kennebec County in the U.S. state of Maine. As of the 2000 census, the town had a total population of 5,959.
- The U.S. Census Bureau provides additional demographic detail for the more densely populated area within the town. Those details are included in the aggregate population and area values reported here. See: Oakland (CDP), Maine.
Oakland is said by residents to be the gateway to the Belgrade Lakes Region. It is at Template:Coor dms, four miles (6 km) west of Waterville and approximately eighteen miles (29 km) north of Augusta, the state capital. The town boasts four major waterways: McGrath Pond, Salmon Lake, East Pond, and Messalonskee Lake and Stream. These waterways have played a major role in the history of the town.
| Contents |
History
Oakland were first settled by colonists of English descent who came from Massachusetts and New Hampshire in the latter half of the 1700s. At that time the area was known as Taconnet, which is derived from one of the four tribes of Native Americans who first occupied this region. The area was incorporated as Winslow in 1771. In 1872, the area west of the Kennebec effected a peaceful secession and incorporated as Waterville. In 1873, the manufacturers in the western section, who had created a separate center of activity and trade and were unhappy about taxation, incorporated as West Waterville. In 1883, the residents voted to rename their town Oakland.
Manufacturers long have been drawn to Oakland because of the water power provided by Messalonskee Stream. Oakland once was known as the axe and scythe producing capital of New England. With changing technology, newer industries such as the Cascade Woolen Mill replaced the agricultural equipment industry. In recent times, Oakland has witnessed another change in its industrial base. Older industries have closed, making way for new companies such as Valley Distributors, Industrial Metal Recycling, and Wrabacon, Inc.
Oakland lies within easy commuting distance to jobs and services in the Waterville and Augusta region. The completion of I-95 in the 1960s increased Oakland's relationship with the Augusta area, and to some extent the Greater Portland and Bangor areas. The Kennebec Regional Development Authority, a consortium of 24 towns in the Kennebes county area, is currently developing a high technology center next to Interstate 95 in Oakland with the help of state and federal funds. First Park is expected to become Maine's premier technology and business park.
Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 73.1 km² (28.2 mi²). 66.7 km² (25.7 mi²) of it is land and 6.4 km² (2.5 mi²) of it is water. The total area is 8.76% water.
Demographics
As of the census2 of 2000, there are 5,959 people, 2,352 households, and 1,651 families residing in the town. The population density is 89.4/km² (231.5/mi²). There are 2,847 housing units at an average density of 42.7/km² (110.6/mi²). The racial makeup of the town is 98.27% White, 0.15% Black or African American, 0.23% Native American, 0.55% Asian, 0.00% Pacific Islander, 0.08% from other races, and 0.70% from two or more races. 0.52% of the population are Hispanic or Latino of any race.
There are 2,352 households out of which 35.6% have children under the age of 18 living with them, 54.9% are married couples living together, 11.1% have a female householder with no husband present, and 29.8% are non-families. 23.6% of all households are made up of individuals and 8.8% have someone living alone who is 65 years of age or older. The average household size is 2.53 and the average family size is 2.98.
In the town the population is spread out with 26.9% under the age of 18, 7.5% from 18 to 24, 30.2% from 25 to 44, 24.4% from 45 to 64, and 11.0% who are 65 years of age or older. The median age is 37 years. For every 100 females there are 95.8 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there are 92.6 males.
The median income for a household in the town is $34,934, and the median income for a family is $43,654. Males have a median income of $33,382 versus $24,286 for females. The per capita income for the town is $19,406. 10.1% of the population and 9.0% of families are below the poverty line. Out of the total population, 11.4% of those under the age of 18 and 4.9% of those 65 and older are living below the poverty line.
External links
- Oakland, Maine website (http://www.oaklandmaine.com) (Most of the history section taken from this site)