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Greenwood, Maine has a rich history as a former farming and manufacturing town. Here's a summary of its past and a look at its current status:

 

Historical Information

 

  • Early Settlement and Naming: The area, originally known as No. 4 Township, was granted to Phillips Academy in 1800. It was settled by people seeking inexpensive land for agriculture and water power for milling. The town was incorporated on February 2, 1816, as Greenwood, named after Alexander Greenwood, a prominent surveyor of the region.
  • Early Economy: The town's first saw and shingle mill was built in 1805 in an area called "Greenwood City." The town's economy was centered around farming and the wood industry.
  • The Shift to Locke's Mills: In the mid-1800s, a fire destroyed Greenwood City. The wood industry and the town's population then shifted north to the village of Locke's Mills, which had fine mill sites and was served by the Atlantic and Saint Lawrence Railroad. Locke's Mills remains the town's urban center today.
  • Notable Residents: Greenwood is the birthplace of Leon Leonwood Bean, the founder of L.L.Bean.
  • Historical Society: The Greenwood Historical Society, located in Locke's Mills, is dedicated to preserving and sharing the town's history through its collections and programs.

 

Current Information

 

  • Geography and Recreation: Located in the foothills of the western Maine mountains, Greenwood is a hub for outdoor recreation. It is home to Mt. Abram Ski Area and has numerous lakes and ponds, making it a popular spot for skiing, snowboarding, hiking, and paddling.
  • Government: Greenwood operates with a Town Meeting-Select Board-Manager form of government. The town's official website provides information on its departments, including the Fire Department, Highway Department, and Recreation Department.
  • Town Office: The Greenwood Town Office is located at 593 Gore Road. You can find contact information and office hours on the town's website.
  • Population: The town had a population of 774 in the 2020 census.

For more detailed information, you can explore the official website for the Town of Greenwood, Maine, at greenwoodmaine.org.

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