Location Map for Maxfield
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 1970 | 24 |
| 1980 | 64 |
| 1990 | 86 |
| 2000 | 87 |
| 2010 | 97 |
Population Trend 1830-2010
| Geographic Data | |
|---|---|
| N. Latitude | 45:18:09 |
| W. Longitude | 68:45:53 |
| Maine House | District 142 |
| Maine Senate | District 5 |
| Congress | District 2 |
| Area sq. mi. | (total) 19.4 |
| Area sq. mi. | (land) 19.1 |
| Population/sq.mi. | (land) 5.1 |
| County: Penobscot
Total=land+water; Land=land only |
|
[MAX-field] is a town in Penobscot County, incorporated on February 6, 1824 from a portion of the Bridgton Academy Grant. The first settler arrived in 1814. The town is shaped like a triangular wedge pointing south between Medford and Howland.
Another early settler by the name of McIntosh soon had his place known as “Mac’s Field,” which evolved into Maxfield – or so the story goes. His lumber mill became an important local business.
A great fire in 1829, according to Chadbourne, “devastated the tract almost completely, sweeping off buildings, fences, standing crops and nearly everything. Many left the settlement never to return, and it was long before the town recovered from this disaster.” (p. 29)
Community Building/Town Hall with Sand/Salt Shed (2005)
The Sage Community Building/Town Hall, and the sand/salt shed are on the River Road. The Bunker Hill Road crosses from Howland, travels over Bunker Hill, and intersects with the River Road.
Maxfield, with its oddly triangular shape, is definitely “off the beaten path” in northeastern Penobscot County. The only improved road, the North Howland Road, follows the Piscataquis River. The town is split by the River with no bridge spanning it within the town. A bridge in nearby Howland crosses the river just before it empties into the Penobscot.
The Piscataquis River . . .
near the River Road (2005)
Form of Government: Town Meeting-Select Board.
Additional resources
Chadbourne, Ava Harriet. Maine Place Names and The Peopling of its Towns.