Dover-Foxcroft, Maine Weather Cams
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Dover-Foxcroft, Maine: A Tale of Two Towns United by History
Dover-Foxcroft, Maine Weather Cams. Dover-Foxcroft, the largest town in Piscataquis County, Maine, has a rich history shaped by its early settlers, industrial growth, and eventual unification. Originally two separate towns—Dover and Foxcroft—the communities merged in 1922, creating Maine’s only hyphenated township.
Early Settlement and Development
The land that would become Dover was purchased from Massachusetts by Boston merchants Charles Vaughan and John Merrick, both of whom had emigrated from England. The first permanent settler, Eli Towne, arrived in 1803 from Temple, New Hampshire. Dover was officially incorporated on January 19, 1822, with agriculture serving as its primary industry, producing potatoes, corn, and grain.
Foxcroft, originally known as T5 R7 NWP, was one of five towns conveyed by Massachusetts to Bowdoin College in 1796. It was purchased from the college in 1800 by Joseph E. Foxcroft of New Gloucester. The first settlers, John, Eleazer, and Seth Spaulding, arrived in 1806, building the first mill. The town was initially called Spauldingtown until its incorporation as Foxcroft on February 29, 1812, taking its proprietor’s name.
Industrial Growth and Economic Expansion
The Piscataquis River provided water power for mills, fueling industrial growth in both towns. By 1859, Dover had a population of 2,500 and industries including four sawmills, shingle and clapboard manufacturers, a gristmill, two tanneries, two carriage makers, and a woolen factory. Foxcroft, with a population of 1,045, had two sawmills, a shingle mill, a carding machine, a carriage builder, a chair manufacturer, a tannery, a fork maker, two pail makers, a machinist, and a sash, door, and blind factory.
In 1866, the Hughes & Son Piano Manufacturing Company was established, operating until 1921. The town’s industrial sector continued to thrive, contributing to its economic stability.
The Merger of Dover and Foxcroft
On March 1, 1922, the two towns merged into a single entity, Dover-Foxcroft. The unification was driven by economic and administrative efficiency, allowing the communities to pool resources and strengthen their shared identity.
Historic Landmarks and Cultural Contributions
Dover-Foxcroft is home to several historic sites, including the American Woolen Company Foxcroft Mill, which was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2012. The town also boasts a New Deal-era post office mural, reflecting its historical significance.
Modern-Day Dover-Foxcroft
Today, Dover-Foxcroft remains a vibrant community, hosting events such as the Maine Whoopie Pie Festival, an annual celebration of Maine’s iconic dessert. The town continues to honor its rich history while embracing modern development.
For more information, visit the Dover-Foxcroft, Maine official website.