|  Welcome
to Oakland, gateway to the Belgrade Lakes Region! The Town of
Oakland, population 5,959, is located in northern Kennebec County,
four miles west of Waterville and approximately eighteen miles
north of Augusta, the State capital. The Town boasts four major
waterways for the enjoyment of its residents and visitors alike:
McGrath Pond, Salmon Lake, East Pond, and Messalonskee Lake and
Stream. These waterways have played a major role in the history
of the Town and are likely to continue their role in the future,
especially with the Town's recent purchase and development of
the Pleasant Point Park on McGrath Pond.
The roughly
26 square miles that comprise 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 ax and scythe
capital of New England. With changing technology, newer industries
such as the Cascade Woolen Mill replaced the farming 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 1-95 in the 1960's 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 area towns, currently is developing
a high technology center next to Interstate 95 in Oakland with
the help of State and Federal Funds. First Park (www.firstpark.com)
will be Maine's premier technology and business park and Oakland
is pleased to be its host.
Recently
Oakland has been successful in securing grant money from the State
of Maine to revitalize its downtown and to expand its library.
A community with an interesting history and a promising future,
Oakland offers an excellent quality of life, expanding industry,
and numerous recreational opportunities. Thank you for visiting
our website and we hope to see you around town soon!
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