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Winthrop, Maine

Town of Winthrop
Town
Lake Annabessacook
Lake Annabessacook
Motto: "We Play Outside"
Location in Kennebec County and the state of Maine.
Location in Kennebec County and the state of Maine.
Coordinates: 44°18′25″N 69°58′24″W / 44.30694°N 69.97333°W / 44.30694; -69.97333Coordinates: 44°18′25″N 69°58′24″W / 44.30694°N 69.97333°W / 44.30694; -69.97333
Country United States
State Maine
County Kennebec
Settled 1765
Incorporated 1771
Government
 • Type Council-Manager
 • Town Manager Peter Nielsen
 • Governing body Winthrop Town Council
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)
Population (2010)
 • Total 6,092
 • Estimate (2014) 5,987
 • Density 195.1/sq mi (75.3/km2)
Time zone Eastern (EST) (UTC-5)
 • Summer (DST) EDT (UTC-4)
ZIP code(s) 04364
Area code(s) 207
Website Town of Winthrop, Maine

Winthrop is a town in Kennebec County, Maine, United States. The population was 6,092 at the 2010 census. 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 of Winthrop and East Winthrop, and is the center of the Winthrop Lakes Region. Winthrop is included in the Augusta, Maine Micropolitan New England City and Town Area.

Winthrop was part of the Kennebec Purchase awarded by the Plymouth Council for New England. First called Pondtown for its lakes and ponds, it was settled by Timothy Foster in 1765. On April 26, 1771, Pondtown Plantation was incorporated by the Massachusetts General Court as Winthrop, named for the first colonial governor of Massachusetts, John Winthrop.Readfield was set off and incorporated in 1791. The surface of the town is uneven, but with good land that yielded hay, grain and apples. Winthrop became noted for its orchards and cattle.

At the outlet of Maranacook Lake into Annabessacook Lake, John Chandler built a sawmill in 1768, and then added a gristmill. Other industries followed, including a fulling mill, tannery and blacksmith 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 of lumber every year, two oil cloth factories, a sash and blind factory, and a foundry and machine shop. The Maine Central Railroad opened to the village, carrying freight and tourists. Winthrop and its lakes developed into a summer resort, which it remains today.


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