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{{Short description|Town in Maine, United States}}
{{Infobox settlement
{{Infobox settlement
|official_name = Buckfield, Maine
|official_name = Buckfield, Maine
|settlement_type = [[New England town|Town]]
|settlement_type = [[New England town|Town]]
|nickname =
|nickname =
|motto = "Where good people live"<ref>{{cite web|url= http://www.townofbuckfield.com/|title= Town of Buckfield, Maine|publisher= Town of Buckfield, Maine |accessdate=August 26, 2012}}</ref>
|motto = "Where good people live"<ref>{{cite web|url= http://www.townofbuckfield.com/|title= Town of Buckfield, Maine|publisher= Town of Buckfield, Maine|access-date= August 26, 2012|archive-date= September 23, 2012|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20120923083826/http://www.townofbuckfield.com/|url-status= dead}}</ref>


<!-- Images -->
<!-- Images -->
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<!-- Population -->
<!-- Population -->
|population_as_of = [[2010 United States Census|2010]]
|population_as_of = [[2020 United States Census|2020]]
|population_est = 1999
|population_est =
|pop_est_as_of =
|pop_est_as_of = 2012<ref name="2012 Pop Estimate">{{cite web |title=Population Estimates |url=https://www.census.gov/popest/data/cities/totals/2012/SUB-EST2012.html |publisher=[[United States Census Bureau]] |accessdate=2013-07-06 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/6HQu4Spqa?url=http://www.census.gov/popest/data/cities/totals/2012/SUB-EST2012.html |archivedate=2013-06-17 |df= }}</ref>
⚫
|population_total = 1983
|population_footnotes = <ref name ="FactFinder"/>
⚫
|population_density_km2 = 20.4
⚫
|population_total = 2009
⚫
|population_density_sq_mi =
⚫
|population_density_km2 = 20.7
⚫
|population_density_sq_mi = 53.5yfi


<!-- General information -->
<!-- General information -->
Line 78: Line 78:
|footnotes =
|footnotes =
}}
}}
'''Buckfield''' is a [[New England town|town]] in [[Oxford County, Maine|Oxford County]], [[Maine]], United States. Buckfield is included in the [[Lewiston, Maine|Lewiston]]-[[Auburn, Maine|Auburn]], Maine metropolitan [[New England City and Town Area]]. It is a member of Regional School Unit 10 along with nearby [[Hartford, Maine|Hartford]] and [[Sumner, Maine|Sumner]]. The town had a population of 2,009 as of the [[2010 United States Census|2010 census]].
'''Buckfield''' is a [[New England town|town]] in [[Oxford County, Maine]], United States. Buckfield is included in the [[Lewiston-Auburn]], Maine metropolitan [[New England City and Town Area]]. It is a member of Regional School Unit 10 along with nearby [[Hartford, Maine|Hartford]] and [[Sumner, Maine|Sumner]]. The town had a population of 1,983 as of the [[2020 United States Census|2020 census]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://data.census.gov/cedsci/profile?g=0600000US2301708710|title=Census - Geography Profile: Buckfield town, Oxford County, Maine|access-date=January 18, 2022}}</ref>


==History==
==History==
⚫
It was first settled in 1776 by Benjamin Spaulding from [[Chelmsford, Massachusetts]], a [[fur trapping|fur trapper]]. Abijah Buck and Thomas Allen settled in the area in spring of 1777 with their families. In 1785, the inhabitants procured a survey of the town and purchased it from [[Commonwealth of Massachusetts|Massachusetts]] for 2 [[shilling]]s per acre. Originally called Bucktown Plantation (or Plantation No. 5), in 1793 the [[Massachusetts General Court]] incorporated it as Buckfield, named for Abijah Buck.<ref name=Coolidge>{{Cite book | last = Coolidge | first = Austin J.|author2=John B. Mansfield | title = A History and Description of New England| year = 1859| location = Boston, Massachusetts| page = 78| url = https://books.google.com/books?id=OcoMAAAAYAAJ&lpg=PA9&ots=cUndZkVSIF&dq=coolidge%20mansfield%20history%20description%20new%20england%201859&pg=PA78#v=onepage&q&f=false}}</ref>


⚫
It was first settled in 1776 by Benjamin Spaulding from [[Chelmsford, Massachusetts]], a [[fur trapping|fur trapper]]. Abijah Buck and Thomas Allen settled in the area in spring of 1777 with their families. In 1785, the inhabitants procured a survey of the town and purchased it from [[Commonwealth of Massachusetts|Massachusetts]] for 2 [[shilling]]s per acre. Originally called Bucktown Plantation (or Plantation No. 5), in 1793 the [[Massachusetts General Court]] incorporated it as Buckfield, named for Abijah Buck.<ref name=Coolidge>{{Cite book | last = Coolidge | first = Austin J.|author2=John B. Mansfield | title = A History and Description of New England| publisher = A.J. Coolidge | year = 1859| location = Boston, Massachusetts| page = [https://archive.org/details/bub_gb_OcoMAAAAYAAJ/page/n112 78]| url = https://archive.org/details/bub_gb_OcoMAAAAYAAJ}}</ref>
⚫
The surface of the town is uneven, but has deep, dark soil that yielded good crops of [[grain]], [[Maize|corn]] and [[apple]]s. The east and west branches of the Nezinscot River join at Buckfield Village, supplying [[water power]] for [[watermill|mills]]. Products included [[lumber]], [[roof shingle]]s, [[barrel|barrel staves]], box boards, [[shovel]] handles, snow-shovels, handsleds, drag-rakes, brushes, brush blocks, powder-kegs, [[horse harness|leather harness]], cutting-blocks and men's [[boot]]s.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://history.rays-place.com/me/buckfield-me.htm|title=History of Buckfield, Maine|author=|date=|website=history.rays-place.com|accessdate=23 April 2018}}</ref> In 1870, the population of the town was 1,494. The [[Rumford Falls and Buckfield Railroad]] passed through the town. Its depot was at Buckfield Village, the business center for the area.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://history.rays-place.com/me/buckfield.htm|title=Historical Sketch of BUCKFIELD Maine|author=|date=|website=history.rays-place.com|accessdate=23 April 2018}}</ref>

⚫
The surface of the town is uneven, but has deep, dark soil that yielded good crops of [[grain]], [[Maize|corn]] and [[apple]]s. The east and west branches of the [[Nezinscot River]] join at Buckfield Village, supplying [[water power]] for [[watermill|mills]]. Products included [[lumber]], [[roof shingle]]s, [[barrel|barrel staves]], box boards, [[shovel]] handles, snow-shovels, handsleds, drag-rakes, brushes, brush blocks, powder-kegs, [[horse harness|leather harness]], cutting-blocks and men's [[boot]]s.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://history.rays-place.com/me/buckfield-me.htm|title=History of Buckfield, Maine|website=history.rays-place.com|access-date=23 April 2018}}{{Dead link|date=October 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref> In 1870, the population of the town was 1,494. The [[Rumford Falls and Buckfield Railroad]] passed through the town. Its depot was at Buckfield Village, the business center for the area.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://history.rays-place.com/me/buckfield.htm|title=Historical Sketch of BUCKFIELD Maine|website=history.rays-place.com|access-date=23 April 2018}}</ref>


==Geography==
==Geography==
⚫
According to the [[United States Census Bureau]], the town has a total area of {{convert|37.77|sqmi|sqkm|2}}, of which, {{convert|37.53|sqmi|sqkm|2}} of it is land and {{convert|0.24|sqmi|sqkm|2}} is water.<ref name ="Gazetteer files">{{cite web|title=US Gazetteer files 2010|url=https://www.census.gov/geo/maps-data/data/gazetteer2010.html|publisher=[[United States Census Bureau]]|accessdate=2012-12-16}}</ref> Buckfield is drained by the [[Nezinscot River]], a tributary of the [[Androscoggin River]].


⚫
According to the [[United States Census Bureau]], the town has a total area of {{convert|37.77|sqmi|sqkm|2}}, of which {{convert|37.53|sqmi|sqkm|2}} is land and {{convert|0.24|sqmi|sqkm|2}} is water.<ref name ="Gazetteer files">{{cite web|title=US Gazetteer files 2010|url=https://www.census.gov/geo/maps-data/data/gazetteer2010.html|publisher=[[United States Census Bureau]]|access-date=2012-12-16}}</ref> Buckfield is drained by the [[Nezinscot River]], a tributary of the [[Androscoggin River]].
⚫
The town is crossed by state routes 117 and 140. It borders the towns of [[Sumner, Maine|Sumner]] and [[Hartford, Maine|Hartford]] to the north, [[Turner, Maine|Turner]] to the east, [[Hebron, Maine|Hebron]] to the south, and [[Paris, Maine|Paris]] to the west and [[West Paris, Maine|West Paris]] to the northwest.

⚫
The town is served by state routes [[Maine State Route 117|117]] and [[Maine State Route 140|140]]. It borders the towns of [[Sumner, Maine|Sumner]] and [[Hartford, Maine|Hartford]] to the north, [[Turner, Maine|Turner]] to the east, [[Hebron, Maine|Hebron]] to the south, and [[Paris, Maine|Paris]] to the west and [[West Paris, Maine|West Paris]] to the northwest.


==Demographics==
==Demographics==

{{US Census population
{{US Census population
|1800= 1002
|1800= 1002
Line 114: Line 117:
|2000= 1723
|2000= 1723
|2010= 2009
|2010= 2009
|2020= 1983
|estyear=2014
⚫
|footnote=U.S. Decennial Census<ref name="DecennialCensus">{{cite web |url=https://www.census.gov/programs-surveys/decennial-census.html |title=Census of Population and Housing |publisher=Census.gov |access-date=June 4, 2015 }}</ref>
|estimate=2000
|estref=<ref name="USCensusEst2014">{{cite web|url=https://www.census.gov/popest/data/cities/totals/2014/SUB-EST2014.html|title=Annual Estimates of the Resident Population for Incorporated Places: April 1, 2010 to July 1, 2014|accessdate=June 4, 2015}}</ref>
⚫
|footnote=U.S. Decennial Census<ref name="DecennialCensus">{{cite web |url=https://www.census.gov/prod/www/decennial.html |title=Census of Population and Housing |publisher=Census.gov |accessdate=June 4, 2015 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/6YSasqtfX?url=http://www.census.gov/prod/www/decennial.html |archivedate=May 12, 2015 |df= }}</ref>
}}
}}


===2010 census===
===2010 census===
⚫
As of the [[census]]<ref name ="FactFinder">{{cite web|title=American FactFinder|url=http://factfinder2.census.gov/faces/nav/jsf/pages/index.xhtml|publisher=[[United States Census Bureau]]|accessdate=2012-12-16}}</ref> of 2010, there were 2,009 people, 821 households, and 547 families residing in the town. The [[population density]] was {{convert|53.5|PD/sqmi|PD/km2|1}}. There were 890 housing units at an average density of {{convert|23.7|/sqmi|/km2|1}}. The racial makeup of the town was 97.7% [[White (U.S. Census)|White]], 0.2% [[African American (U.S. Census)|African American]], 0.3% [[Native American (U.S. Census)|Native American]], 0.4% [[Asian (U.S. Census)|Asian]], 0.1% from [[Race (U.S. Census)|other races]], and 1.3% from two or more races. [[Hispanic (U.S. Census)|Hispanic]] or [[Latino (U.S. Census)|Latino]] of any race were 0.5% of the population.


⚫
As of the [[census]]<ref name ="wwwcensusgov">{{cite web|title=U.S. Census website|url=https://www.census.gov|publisher=[[United States Census Bureau]]|access-date=2012-12-16}}</ref> of 2010, there were 2,009 people, 821 households, and 547 families living in the town. The [[population density]] was {{convert|53.5|PD/sqmi|PD/km2|1}}. There were 890 housing units at an average density of {{convert|23.7|/sqmi|/km2|1}}. The racial makeup of the town was 97.7% [[White (U.S. Census)|White]], 0.2% [[African American (U.S. Census)|African American]], 0.3% [[Native American (U.S. Census)|Native American]], 0.4% [[Asian (U.S. Census)|Asian]], 0.1% from [[Race (U.S. Census)|other races]], and 1.3% from two or more races. [[Hispanic (U.S. Census)|Hispanic]] or [[Latino (U.S. Census)|Latino]] of any race were 0.5% of the population.
⚫
There were 821 households of which 29.6% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 51.0% were [[Marriage|married couples]] living together, 10.0% had a female householder with no husband present, 5.6% had a male householder with no wife present, and 33.4% were non-families. 25.0% of all households were made up of individuals and 8.2% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.45 and the average family size was 2.88.

⚫
There were 821 households, of which 29.6% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 51.0% were [[Marriage|married couples]] living together, 10.0% had a female householder with no husband present, 5.6% had a male householder with no wife present, and 33.4% were non-families. 25.0% of all households were made up of individuals, and 8.2% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.45 and the average family size was 2.88.


The median age in the town was 41.2 years. 23.2% of residents were under the age of 18; 7% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 25.1% were from 25 to 44; 32.9% were from 45 to 64; and 11.9% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the town was 51.0% male and 49.0% female.
The median age in the town was 41.2 years. 23.2% of residents were under the age of 18; 7% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 25.1% were from 25 to 44; 32.9% were from 45 to 64; and 11.9% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the town was 51.0% male and 49.0% female.


===2000 census===
===2000 census===
⚫
As of the [[census]]<ref name="GR2">{{cite web |url=http://factfinder2.census.gov |publisher=[[United States Census Bureau]] |accessdate=2008-01-31 |title=American FactFinder |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20130911234518/http://factfinder2.census.gov/ |archivedate=2013-09-11 |df= }}</ref> of 2000, there were 1,723 people, 668 households, and 476 families residing in the town. The [[population density]] was 45.7 people per square mile (17.7/km²). There were 715 housing units at an average density of 19.0 per square mile (7.3/km²). The racial makeup of the town was 100% [98.49% [[White (U.S. Census)|White]], 0.17% [[Native American (U.S. Census)|Native American]], 0.35% [[Asian (U.S. Census)|Asian]], 0.12% from [[Race (United States Census)|other races]], and 0.87% from two or more races. [[Hispanic (U.S. Census)|Hispanic]] or [[Latino (U.S. Census)|Latino]] of any race were 0.41% of the population.


⚫
As of the [[census]]<ref name="GR2">{{cite web |url=https://www.census.gov |publisher=[[United States Census Bureau]] |access-date=2008-01-31 |title=U.S. Census website }}</ref> of 2000, there were 1,723 people, 668 households, and 476 families living in the town. The population density was {{convert|45.7|PD/sqmi|PD/km2|sp=us|adj=off}}. There were 715 housing units at an average density of {{convert|19.0|/sqmi|/km2|sp=us|adj=off}}. The racial makeup of the town was 100% [98.49% [[White (U.S. Census)|White]], 0.17% [[Native American (U.S. Census)|Native American]], 0.35% [[Asian (U.S. Census)|Asian]], 0.12% from [[Race (United States Census)|other races]], and 0.87% from two or more races. [[Hispanic (U.S. Census)|Hispanic]] or [[Latino (U.S. Census)|Latino]] of any race were 0.41% of the population.
There were 668 households out of which 35.3% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 58.5% were [[Marriage|married couples]] living together, 9.0% had a female householder with no husband present, and 28.7% were non-families. 20.2% of all households were made up of individuals and 6.7% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.58 and the average family size was 2.99.


In the town, the population was spread out with 26.8% under the age of 18, 7.5% from 18 to 24, 30.9% from 25 to 44, 25.0% from 45 to 64, and 9.9% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 37 years. For every 100 females there were 96.5 males.
There were 668 households, out of which 35.3% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 58.5% were [[Marriage|married couples]] living together, 9.0% had a female householder with no husband present, and 28.7% were non-families. 20.2% of all households were made up of individuals, and 6.7% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.58 and the average family size was 2.99.

In the town, the population was spread out, with 26.8% under the age of 18, 7.5% from 18 to 24, 30.9% from 25 to 44, 25.0% from 45 to 64, and 9.9% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 37 years. For every 100 females there were 96.5 males.


The median income for a household in the town was $36,821, and the median income for a family was $40,078. Males had a median income of $28,472 versus $22,262 for females. The [[per capita income]] for the town was $17,503. About 5.6% of families and 8.3% of the population were below the [[poverty line]], including 9.5% of those under age 18 and 9.9% of those age 65 or over.
The median income for a household in the town was $36,821, and the median income for a family was $40,078. Males had a median income of $28,472 versus $22,262 for females. The [[per capita income]] for the town was $17,503. About 5.6% of families and 8.3% of the population were below the [[poverty line]], including 9.5% of those under age 18 and 9.9% of those age 65 or over.
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'''Voter registration'''
'''Voter registration'''
{| class=wikitable
{| class=wikitable
! colspan = 6 | Voter Registration and Party Enrollment as of June 2014<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.pressherald.com/interactive/maine_registered_voters_democrat_republican_independent_green/|title=Maine voters by town and party registration|author=|date=|website=pressherald.com|accessdate=23 April 2018}}</ref>
! colspan = 6 | Voter Registration and Party Enrollment as of June 2014<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.pressherald.com/interactive/maine_registered_voters_democrat_republican_independent_green/|title=Maine voters by town and party registration|website=pressherald.com|date=November 2013 |access-date=23 April 2018}}</ref>
|-
|-
! colspan = 2 | Party
! colspan = 2 | Party
Line 144: Line 147:
! Percentage
! Percentage
|-
|-
{{party color|Independent Party (United States)}}
| {{party color cell|Independent Party (United States)}}
| Unenrolled
| Unenrolled
| align = center | 749
| align = center | 749
| align = center | 54.4%
| align = center | 54.4%
|-
|-
{{party color|Republican Party (United States)}}
| {{party color cell|Republican Party (United States)}}
| [[Maine Republican Party|Republican]]
| [[Maine Republican Party|Republican]]
| align = center | 348
| align = center | 348
| align = center | 25.3%
| align = center | 25.3%
|-
|-
{{party color|Democratic Party (United States)}}
| {{party color cell|Democratic Party (United States)}}
| [[Maine Democratic Party|Democratic]]
| [[Maine Democratic Party|Democratic]]
| align = center | 266
| align = center | 266
| align = center | 19.3%
| align = center | 19.3%
|-
|-
{{party color|Green Party (United States)}}
| {{party color cell|Green Party (United States)}}
| [[Maine Green Independent Party|Green Independent]]
| [[Maine Green Independent Party|Green Independent]]
| align = center | 15
| align = center | 15
Line 170: Line 173:


==Landmarks==
==Landmarks==

*[[Churchill Bridge]] - built {{circa}} 1797
*[[E.C. and M.I. Record Homestead]] - built 1843-44
*[[Churchill Bridge]] – built {{circa}} 1797
*[[Enoch Hall House]] - built {{circa}} 1790
*[[E.C. and M.I. Record Homestead]] – built 1843–1844
*[[Union Church (Buckfield, Maine)|Union Church]] - built in 1832
*[[Enoch Hall House]] – built {{circa}} 1790
*[[Zadoc Long Free Library]] - built in 1901
*[[Union Church (Buckfield, Maine)|Union Church]] – built in 1832
*[[Zadoc Long Free Library]] – built in 1901


==Schools==
==Schools==

* Buckfield Junior-Senior High School{{Citation needed|date=April 2011}}
* Buckfield Junior-Senior High School{{Citation needed|date=April 2011}}


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· All others will be deleted.
· All others will be deleted.
-->
-->

{{columns-list|colwidth=30em|
{{Columns-list|colwidth=30em|
* [[William Berry (Sergeant)|William Berry]], soldier
* [[William Berry (Sergeant)|William Berry]], soldier
* [[Hermon Carey Bumpus]], fifth president of Tufts College (later Tufts University)
* [[John Lewis Childs]], horticulturist, N.Y. state senator, founder of [[Floral Park, New York]]
* [[John Lewis Childs]], horticulturist, N.Y. state senator, founder of [[Floral Park, New York]]
* [[Patrick Dempsey]], actor
* [[Patrick Dempsey]], actor
Line 202: Line 209:
* [[Eepybird|Stephen Voltz]], attorney and co-founder of Eepybird (the "Diet Coke and Mentos Guys")
* [[Eepybird|Stephen Voltz]], attorney and co-founder of Eepybird (the "Diet Coke and Mentos Guys")
}}
}}

==Gallery==

<gallery>
File:BuckfieldME TownOffices.jpg | Buckfield municipal building
File:BuckfieldME CommunityBaptistChurch.jpg | Buckfield Community Baptist Church
File:Old Church on the Hill, Buckfield, ME.jpg | Postcard of the Old Church on the Hill, High Street Buckfield
File:Union Church, Buckfield, Maine.jpg | The Old Church on the Hill, also called the Union Church, Buckfield
File:BuckfieldME RecordHomestead.jpg | The Record Homestead on Bean Road in Buckfield
File:BuckfieldME EnochHallHouse.jpg | The Enoch Hall House on Bean Road in Buckfield
File:BuckfieldME ChurchillBridge 1.jpg | The Churchill Bridge on Mountain Road in Buckfield
</gallery>


==References==
==References==

{{Reflist}}
{{Reflist}}


==External links==
==External links==

{{commons category|Buckfield, Maine}}
{{Commons category|Buckfield, Maine}}
* [http://www.townofbuckfield.com/ Town of Buckfield]
* [http://www.zadoc.lib.me.us/ Zadoc Long Free Library]
* [https://www.buckfield.maine.gov/ Town of Buckfield]
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20080512073428/http://www.maine.gov/local/oxford/buckfield/ Maine.gov -- Buckfield, Maine]
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20080512073428/http://www.maine.gov/local/oxford/buckfield/ Maine.gov – Buckfield, Maine]
* [https://web.archive.org/web/19990428131201/http://www.sad39.k12.me.us/ School Administrative District 39]
* [https://web.archive.org/web/19990428131201/http://www.sad39.k12.me.us/ School Administrative District 39]


{{Oxford County, Maine}}
{{Oxford County, Maine}}
{{Androscoggin River}}
{{Androscoggin River}}
{{Authority control}}


{{Coord|44|17|22|N|70|21|55|W|type:city_region:US-ME|display=title}}
{{Coord|44|17|22|N|70|21|55|W|type:city_region:US-ME|display=title}}

Latest revision as of 00:54, 23 September 2024

Buckfield, Maine
Town
The Zadoc Long Free Library
The Zadoc Long Free Library
Motto: 
"Where good people live"[1]
Buckfield, Maine is located in Maine
Buckfield, Maine
Buckfield, Maine
Location within the state of Maine
Coordinates: 44°17′43″N 70°22′2″W / 44.29528°N 70.36722°W / 44.29528; -70.36722
CountryUnited States
StateMaine
CountyOxford
Incorporated1793
Area
[2]
 • Total
37.77 sq mi (97.82 km2)
 • Land37.53 sq mi (97.20 km2)
 • Water0.24 sq mi (0.62 km2)
Elevation
374 ft (114 m)
Population
 (2020)
 • Total
1,983
 • Density53/sq mi (20.4/km2)
Time zoneUTC-5 (Eastern (EST))
 • Summer (DST)UTC-4 (EDT)
ZIP code
04220
Area code207
FIPS code23-08710
GNIS feature ID0582376
WebsiteTown of Buckfield, Maine

Buckfield is a town in Oxford County, Maine, United States. Buckfield is included in the Lewiston-Auburn, Maine metropolitan New England City and Town Area. It is a member of Regional School Unit 10 along with nearby Hartford and Sumner. The town had a population of 1,983 as of the 2020 census.[3]

History

[edit]

It was first settled in 1776 by Benjamin Spaulding from Chelmsford, Massachusetts, a fur trapper. Abijah Buck and Thomas Allen settled in the area in spring of 1777 with their families. In 1785, the inhabitants procured a survey of the town and purchased it from Massachusetts for 2 shillings per acre. Originally called Bucktown Plantation (or Plantation No. 5), in 1793 the Massachusetts General Court incorporated it as Buckfield, named for Abijah Buck.[4]

The surface of the town is uneven, but has deep, dark soil that yielded good crops of grain, corn and apples. The east and west branches of the Nezinscot River join at Buckfield Village, supplying water power for mills. Products included lumber, roof shingles, barrel staves, box boards, shovel handles, snow-shovels, handsleds, drag-rakes, brushes, brush blocks, powder-kegs, leather harness, cutting-blocks and men's boots.[5] In 1870, the population of the town was 1,494. The Rumford Falls and Buckfield Railroad passed through the town. Its depot was at Buckfield Village, the business center for the area.[6]

Geography

[edit]

According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 37.77 square miles (97.82 km2), of which 37.53 square miles (97.20 km2) is land and 0.24 square miles (0.62 km2) is water.[2] Buckfield is drained by the Nezinscot River, a tributary of the Androscoggin River.

The town is served by state routes 117 and 140. It borders the towns of Sumner and Hartford to the north, Turner to the east, Hebron to the south, and Paris to the west and West Paris to the northwest.

Demographics

[edit]
Historical population
CensusPop.Note%±
18001,002—
18101,25124.9%
18201,50120.0%
18301,5140.9%
18401,6297.6%
18501,6571.7%
18601,7052.9%
18701,494−12.4%
18801,379−7.7%
18901,200−13.0%
19001,139−5.1%
19101,087−4.6%
1920957−12.0%
19309721.6%
1940903−7.1%
1950899−0.4%
19609829.2%
1970929−5.4%
19801,33343.5%
19901,56617.5%
20001,72310.0%
20102,00916.6%
20201,983−1.3%
U.S. Decennial Census[7]

2010 census

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As of the census[8] of 2010, there were 2,009 people, 821 households, and 547 families living in the town. The population density was 53.5 inhabitants per square mile (20.7/km2). There were 890 housing units at an average density of 23.7 per square mile (9.2/km2). The racial makeup of the town was 97.7% White, 0.2% African American, 0.3% Native American, 0.4% Asian, 0.1% from other races, and 1.3% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.5% of the population.

There were 821 households, of which 29.6% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 51.0% were married couples living together, 10.0% had a female householder with no husband present, 5.6% had a male householder with no wife present, and 33.4% were non-families. 25.0% of all households were made up of individuals, and 8.2% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.45 and the average family size was 2.88.

The median age in the town was 41.2 years. 23.2% of residents were under the age of 18; 7% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 25.1% were from 25 to 44; 32.9% were from 45 to 64; and 11.9% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the town was 51.0% male and 49.0% female.

2000 census

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As of the census[9] of 2000, there were 1,723 people, 668 households, and 476 families living in the town. The population density was 45.7 inhabitants per square mile (17.6/km2). There were 715 housing units at an average density of 19.0 per square mile (7.3/km2). The racial makeup of the town was 100% [98.49% White, 0.17% Native American, 0.35% Asian, 0.12% from other races, and 0.87% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.41% of the population.

There were 668 households, out of which 35.3% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 58.5% were married couples living together, 9.0% had a female householder with no husband present, and 28.7% were non-families. 20.2% of all households were made up of individuals, and 6.7% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.58 and the average family size was 2.99.

In the town, the population was spread out, with 26.8% under the age of 18, 7.5% from 18 to 24, 30.9% from 25 to 44, 25.0% from 45 to 64, and 9.9% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 37 years. For every 100 females there were 96.5 males.

The median income for a household in the town was $36,821, and the median income for a family was $40,078. Males had a median income of $28,472 versus $22,262 for females. The per capita income for the town was $17,503. About 5.6% of families and 8.3% of the population were below the poverty line, including 9.5% of those under age 18 and 9.9% of those age 65 or over.

Voter registration

Voter Registration and Party Enrollment as of June 2014[10]
Party Total Voters Percentage
Unenrolled 749 54.4%
Republican 348 25.3%
Democratic 266 19.3%
Green Independent 15 1.1%
Total 1,378 100%

Landmarks

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Schools

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Notable people

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  • Buckfield municipal building
    Buckfield municipal building
  • Buckfield Community Baptist Church
    Buckfield Community Baptist Church
  • Postcard of the Old Church on the Hill, High Street Buckfield
    Postcard of the Old Church on the Hill, High Street Buckfield
  • The Old Church on the Hill, also called the Union Church, Buckfield
    The Old Church on the Hill, also called the Union Church, Buckfield
  • The Record Homestead on Bean Road in Buckfield
    The Record Homestead on Bean Road in Buckfield
  • The Enoch Hall House on Bean Road in Buckfield
    The Enoch Hall House on Bean Road in Buckfield
  • The Churchill Bridge on Mountain Road in Buckfield
    The Churchill Bridge on Mountain Road in Buckfield

References

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  1. ^ "Town of Buckfield, Maine". Town of Buckfield, Maine. Archived from the original on September 23, 2012. Retrieved August 26, 2012.
  2. ^ a b "US Gazetteer files 2010". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved 2012-12-16.
  3. ^ "Census - Geography Profile: Buckfield town, Oxford County, Maine". Retrieved January 18, 2022.
  4. ^ Coolidge, Austin J.; John B. Mansfield (1859). A History and Description of New England. Boston, Massachusetts: A.J. Coolidge. p. 78.
  5. ^ "History of Buckfield, Maine". history.rays-place.com. Retrieved 23 April 2018.[permanent dead link‍]
  6. ^ "Historical Sketch of BUCKFIELD Maine". history.rays-place.com. Retrieved 23 April 2018.
  7. ^ "Census of Population and Housing". Census.gov. Retrieved June 4, 2015.
  8. ^ "U.S. Census website". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved 2012-12-16.
  9. ^ "U.S. Census website". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved 2008-01-31.
  10. ^ "Maine voters by town and party registration". pressherald.com. November 2013. Retrieved 23 April 2018.
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44°17′22″N 70°21′55″W / 44.28944°N 70.36528°W / 44.28944; -70.36528

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