Franklin County, Maine is located in the northern part of the state, bordered by Oxford County to the west, Somerset County to the south, and Kennebec County to the east. The county covers an area of 1,144 square miles and is home to a population of approximately 30,000 people.
Franklin County is largely comprised of rural areas and small towns. The largest city in Franklin County is Farmington which has a population of approximately 7,400 people. Other major towns include Wilton and Jay.
The geography of Franklin County is varied and diverse. It features many rivers such as the Sandy River which runs through Farmington; lakes such as Rangeley Lake; mountains such as Saddleback Mountain; and forests including Maine’s North Woods.
The climate in Franklin County is generally cool with temperatures ranging from hot summers to cold winters. Precipitation ranges from 40-50 inches annually with snowfall averaging around 70 inches during the winter months.
Overall, Franklin County provides a unique blend of geography with its combination of rural areas, small towns, rivers, lakes, mountains and forests that make it an attractive place for visitors who are looking for outdoor activities such as hiking or fishing or simply looking for a peaceful place to relax away from city life.
Country Seat and Other Main Cities of Franklin County, Maine
The country seat of Franklin County, Maine is the city of Farmington which is located in the center of the county. It is the largest city in Franklin County with a population of approximately 7,400 people. The city is home to a University of Maine campus and has a vibrant downtown area that features many shops and restaurants.
According to countryaah.com, other main cities in Franklin County include Wilton, Jay, New Sharon and Kingfield. Wilton is located in the northern part of the county and has a population of around 2,000 people. It was originally settled by farmers in 1774 and Today, it is known for its antique stores and scenic views.
Jay is located in the eastern part of Franklin County and has a population of around 1,700 people. The city was incorporated in 1826 and has since become known for its friendly residents, outdoor recreation opportunities such as fishing on nearby ponds, and its proximity to larger cities like Portland.
New Sharon is located in western part of Franklin County near Farmington and has a population of approximately 1,100 people. It was originally settled by pioneers from Massachusetts who were looking for land to farm on. Today New Sharon mostly features small-town living but also offers some outdoor activities such as cross-country skiing during winter months.
Lastly Kingfield is located in central Franklin County near Mount Abram Ski Resort which attracts many visitors each year due to its excellent skiing conditions. With a population of around 800 people, Kingfield offers small-town charm with plenty of outdoor activities including hiking trails at nearby mountains as well as camping areas at nearby lakes like Mooselookmeguntic Lake or Flagstaff Lake.
History of Franklin County, Maine
Franklin County, Maine has a long and rich history that dates back to the early 1600s when Europeans first arrived in the area. The land was inhabited by the Abenaki people, who had lived in the region for centuries and had established trading routes with other Native American tribes. In 1691, the area was granted to settlers from Massachusetts and named Franklin County after Benjamin Franklin.
The first permanent settlement in Franklin County was established in 1774 when a group of settlers from Wilton, Connecticut moved to an area near what is now known as Wilton, Maine. Over time more settlers moved into the county and by 1830 there were nearly 8,000 residents living there. Farming became an important part of life for many of these families as they worked to cultivate crops such as potatoes and hay on their land.
During the 19th century industry began to take hold in Franklin County with mills being built along rivers such as Sandy River and Dead River. These mills provided jobs for many of the residents and helped contribute to a thriving economy which included sawmills, gristmills, tanneries and other businesses.
In 1864 a major fire swept through Farmington destroying much of the town’s buildings including its courthouse. However it was rebuilt shortly after and continues to be an important part of life in Franklin County today. In addition to farming and industry, tourism has become an increasingly important part of Franklin County’s economy with visitors coming from all over New England to enjoy its natural beauty including lakes, rivers, mountains and forests.
Economy of Franklin County, Maine
The economy of Franklin County, Maine is largely based on tourism, farming, and industry. The area is known for its natural beauty, including lakes, rivers, mountains and forests. This has made it a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts looking to enjoy activities such as camping, fishing, hiking and skiing.
The farming industry has been a major part of Franklin County’s economy since its early days when settlers first arrived in the area. Farming remains an important source of income for many families in the county with crops such as potatoes and hay being grown on their land. In addition to this there are also several dairy farms in the area that produce milk and other dairy products for sale in local markets.
Industry has also played an important role in the economy of Franklin County with mills being built along rivers such as Sandy River and Dead River. These mills provided jobs for many of the residents and helped contribute to a thriving economy which included sawmills, gristmills, tanneries and other businesses.
In recent years, tourism has become increasingly important to Franklin County’s economy with visitors coming from all over New England to enjoy its natural beauty. There are several attractions in the county that draw tourists including ski resorts like Sugarloaf Mountain which offer excellent skiing conditions as well as nearby campgrounds at Mooselookmeguntic Lake or Flagstaff Lake where visitors can go camping or hiking.
Overall the economy of Franklin County is strong due to its diverse industries which range from farming to tourism to industry providing jobs for many of its residents while also helping maintain a vibrant economy that benefits everyone living there.