Waterville, Maine

History

The area now known as Waterville was once inhabited by the Canibas tribe of the Abenaki people. Called "Taconnet" after Chief Taconnet, the main village was located on the east bank of the Kennebec River at its confluence with the Sebasticook River at what is now Winslow. Known as "Ticonic" by English settlers, it was burned in 1692 during King William's War, after which the Canibas tribe abandoned the area. Fort Halifax was built by General John Winslow in 1754, and the last skirmish with indigenous peoples occurred on May 18, 1757.

The township would be organized as Kingfield Plantation, then incorporated as Winslow in 1771. When residents on the west side of the Kennebec found themselves unable to cross the river to attend town meetings, Waterville was founded from the western parts of Winslow and incorporated on June 23, 1802. In 1824 a bridge was built joining the communities. Early industries included fishing, lumbering, agriculture and ship building, with larger boats launched in spring during freshets. By the early 1900s, there were five shipyards in the community.

Ticonic Falls blocked navigation farther upriver, so Waterville developed as the terminus for trade and shipping. The Kennebec River and Messalonskee Stream provided water power for mills, including several sawmills, a gristmill, a sash and blind factory, a furniture factory, and a shovel handle factory. There was also a carriage and sleigh factory, boot shop, brickyard, and tannery. On September 27, 1849, the Androscoggin and Kennebec Railroad opened to Waterville. It would become part of the Maine Central Railroad, which in 1870 established locomotive and car repair shops in the thriving mill town. West Waterville (renamed Oakland) was set off as a town in 1873. Waterville was incorporated as a city on January 12, 1888.{{Citation

The Ticonic Water Power & Manufacturing Company was formed in 1866 and soon built a dam across the Kennebec. After a change of ownership in 1873, the company began construction on what would become the Lockwood Manufacturing Company, a cotton textile plant. A second mill was added, and by 1900 the firm dominated the riverfront and employed 1,300 workers. Lockwood Mills survived until the mid-1950s. The iron Waterville-Winslow Footbridge opened in 1901, as a means for Waterville residents to commute to Winslow for work in the Hollingsworth & Whitney Co. and Wyandotte Worsted Co. mills, but in less than a year was carried away by the highest river level since 1832. Rebuilt in 1903, it would be called the Two Cent Bridge because of its toll. In 1902, the Beaux-Arts style City Hall and Opera House designed by George Gilman Adams was dedicated. In 2002, the C.F. Hathaway Company, one of the last remaining factories in the United States producing high-end dress shirts, was purchased by Warren Buffett's Berkshire Hathaway company and was closed after over 160 years of operation in the city.

Waterville also developed as an educational center. In 1813, the Maine Literary and Theological Institution was established. It would be renamed Waterville College in 1821, then Colby College in 1867. Thomas College was established in 1894. The Latin School was founded in 1820 to prepare students to attend Colby and other colleges, and was subsequently named Waterville Academy, Waterville Classical Institute, and Coburn Classical Institute; the Institute merged with the Oak Grove School in Vassalboro in 1970, and remained open until 1989. The first public high school was built in 1877, while the current Waterville Senior High School was built in 1961.

Geography

Waterville is in northern Kennebec County, in central Maine, at . Its northern boundary is the Somerset County line.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has an area of 14.05 sqmi, of which 13.58 sqmi is land and 0.47 sqmi, or 3.36%, is water. Situated beside the Kennebec River, Waterville is drained by the Messalonskee Stream.

Waterville is served by Interstate 95, U.S. Route 201, and Maine State Routes 137 and 104. It is bordered by Fairfield on the north in Somerset County, Winslow on the east, Sidney on the south and Oakland on the west.

Climate

This climatic region is typified by large seasonal temperature differences, with warm to hot (and often humid) summers and cold (sometimes severely cold) winters. According to the Köppen Climate Classification system, Waterville has a humid continental climate, abbreviated "Dfb" on climate maps.

|Jan record high F = 61 |Feb record high F = 63 |Mar record high F = 84 |Apr record high F = 92 |May record high F = 98 |Jun record high F = 98 |Jul record high F = 101 |Aug record high F = 101 |Sep record high F = 96 |Oct record high F = 90 |Nov record high F = 75 |Dec record high F = 67

|Jan avg record high F = 49.8 |Feb avg record high F = 49.7 |Mar avg record high F = 58.4 |Apr avg record high F = 74.0 |May avg record high F = 85.1 |Jun avg record high F = 89.7 |Jul avg record high F = 91.1 |Aug avg record high F = 90.2 |Sep avg record high F = 86.4 |Oct avg record high F = 75.1 |Nov avg record high F = 64.4 |Dec avg record high F = 53.2 |year avg record high F = 93.1

|Jan avg record low F = -11.7 |Feb avg record low F = -8.8 |Mar avg record low F = -0.9 |Apr avg record low F = 20.4 |May avg record low F = 31.1 |Jun avg record low F = 41.6 |Jul avg record low F = 49.6 |Aug avg record low F = 46.8 |Sep avg record low F = 35.6 |Oct avg record low F = 25.3 |Nov avg record low F = 13.7 |Dec avg record low F = -2.1 |year avg record low F = -14.9

|Jan record low F = -36 |Feb record low F = -35 |Mar record low F = -20 |Apr record low F = -1 |May record low F = 21 |Jun record low F = 26 |Jul record low F = 37 |Aug record low F = 31 |Sep record low F = 23 |Oct record low F = 10 |Nov record low F = -6 |Dec record low F = -39

|Jan snow depth inch = 13.9 |Feb snow depth inch = 15.4 |Mar snow depth inch = 13.5 |Apr snow depth inch = 3.1 |May snow depth inch = 0.0 |Jun snow depth inch = 0.0 |Jul snow depth inch = 0.0 |Aug snow depth inch = 0.0 |Sep snow depth inch = 0.0 |Oct snow depth inch = 0.1 |Nov snow depth inch = 1.5 |Dec snow depth inch = 8.9 |year snow depth inch = 19.3

|access-date = October 16, 2025 |access-date = October 16, 2025

Demographics

2010 census

As of the census of 2010, there were 15,722 people, 6,370 households, and 3,274 families living in the city. The population density was 1157.7 PD/sqmi. There were 7,065 housing units at an average density of 520.3 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 93.9% White, 1.1% African American, 0.6% Native American, 1.2% Asian, 0.1% Pacific Islander, 0.8% from other races, and 2.4% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 2.4% of the population.

There were 6,370 households, of which 24.8% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 32.9% were married couples living together, 13.7% had a female householder with no husband present, 4.8% had a male householder with no wife present, and 48.6% were non-families. Of all households 38.9% were made up of individuals, and 15.5% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.13 and the average family size was 2.80.

The median age in the city was 36.8 years. 17.9% of residents were under the age of 18; 18.9% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 21.7% were from 25 to 44; 24.7% were from 45 to 64; and 16.7% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the city was 46.8% male and 53.2% female.

2000 census

As of the census of 2000, there were 15,605 people, 6,218 households, and 3,370 families living in the city. The population density was 1,148.7 PD/sqmi. There were 6,819 housing units at an average density of 501.9 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 95.81% White, 0.78% African American, 0.56% Native American, 1.03% Asian, 0.03% Pacific Islander, 0.42% from other races, and 1.36% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.10% of the population. 32% reported French and French Canadian ancestry, 18% English, 11% Irish, and 6% German.

There were 6,218 households, out of which 26.3% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 38.2% were married couples living together, 12.1% had a female householder with no husband present, and 45.8% were non-families. Of all households 38.6% were made up of individuals, and 16.2% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.13 and the average family size was 2.84.

In the city, the population was spread out, with 19.7% under the age of 18, 18.5% from 18 to 24, 24.1% from 25 to 44, 19.5% from 45 to 64, and 18.1% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 36 years. For every 100 females, there were 85.0 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 81.7 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $26,816, and the median income for a family was $38,052. Males had a median income of $30,086 versus $22,037 for females. The per capita income for the city was $16,430. 19.2% of the population and 15.1% of families were below the federal poverty level. Statewide, 10.9% of the population was below the poverty level. In Kennebec County, 11.1% of the population was below the federal poverty level. Thus, although the county poverty rate was close to the state poverty rate, the poverty rate for Waterville was higher—typical for a regional center whose suburbs had grown in population.

Out of the total population, 29.7% of those under the age of 18 and 14.7% of those 65 and older were living below the poverty line.

Economy and redevelopment

Waterville's economy has undergone significant transformation since the decline of traditional manufacturing industries. The city's median household income was $47,489 in 2023, with 17% of families living below the poverty line. The unemployment rate was 2.9% as of recent estimates, though the city faces economic challenges with 24.3% of residents living in poverty classified as unemployed.

Major employers

Waterville's largest employers include MaineGeneral Medical Center, Colby College, HealthReach Community Health Centers, Northern Light Inland Hospital, Hannaford Supermarket, Shaw's Supermarket, Walmart, Mount St. Joseph Nursing Home, Kennebec Valley Community Action Program, Thomas College, the City of Waterville, The Woodlands Residential Care, and Central Maine Newspapers. The presence of two colleges contributes significantly to the local economy, with Colby College alone investing over $70 million in downtown development since 2015.

Suburban development and downtown challenges

Like many American cities, Waterville has experienced suburban sprawl and downtown decline in recent decades. New commercial development has concentrated in the northern part of the city, including a Walmart, Home Depot, and strip mall shopping center on Kennedy Memorial Drive. This growth has contributed to the renovation of the existing Elm Plaza shopping center, which has filled previous vacancies.

The downtown area has faced challenges from chain store growth and retail shifts. Historic downtown businesses including Levine's, Butlers, Sterns, Dunhams, Alvina and Delias, and LaVerdieres have closed in recent decades. The Concourse shopping center, which formerly housed Ames and Zayre department stores as well as Brooks Pharmacy, has struggled to find tenants. A CVS pharmacy relocated from its Main Street location to a new building on Kennedy Memorial Drive.

Downtown revitalization

A comprehensive downtown revitalization effort has transformed Waterville's city center since 2015. The initiative represents a partnership between Colby College, the City of Waterville, and the Maine Department of Transportation, with more than $200 million in combined investment from the college, private investors, and small businesses. The project included an $11.2 million infrastructure improvement that converted one-way streets back to two-way traffic, enhanced walkways, lighting, and landscaping, and created new public spaces.

Key developments include the $26 million Lockwood Hotel, which opened in August 2022 as downtown's first new hotel in over a century. The 53-room hotel, developed by Colby College and managed by Charlestowne Hotels, features the Front & Main restaurant. The $18 million Paul J. Schupf Art Center opened in December 2022 as a 32,000-square-foot facility housing visual and performing arts programs, serving as headquarters for Waterville Creates and operated in partnership with Colby College.

Waterville Main Street, designated as a Main Street Maine community in 2001 and accredited annually by the National Main Street Center, coordinates ongoing revitalization efforts through economic development, design improvement, promotion, and organizational initiatives.

Industrial redevelopment

The historic Hathaway Mill complex has undergone extensive redevelopment for mixed-use purposes. Developer Paul Boghossian initially converted portions of the former C.F. Hathaway Company textile facility to retail, office, and residential use, with MaineGeneral Health becoming the first tenant in 2007.

North River Co. acquired the Hathaway Creative Center in 2017 for $20.1 million and subsequently purchased additional mill buildings in 2019 for $1.5 million. The company is developing a $40 million project to convert the former Lockwood Mill at 6 Water Street into 65 affordable housing units, funded through low-income housing tax credits, federal and state historic tax credits, and $1 million in American Rescue Plan Act financing. The project is expected to have significant economic impact through increased housing stock, population growth, and downtown foot traffic.

Government

Local government

Waterville has a mayor and council-manager form of government, led by a mayor and a seven-member city council. The city council is the governing board, and the city manager is the chief administrative officer of the city, responsible for the management of all city affairs.

Waterville adopted a city charter in the 1970s. For some 40 years, the city had a "strong mayor" system in which the mayor enjoyed broad executive powers, including the power to veto measures passed by the city council and to line-item veto budget items passed by the council. In 2005, the charter was substantially revised, changing the city government to a "weak mayor" council-manager system. Under the present system, the city manager is the chief executive. The charter revision was approved by city voters by a 4–1 margin. The city is currently divided into seven geographic wards, each of which elects one member of the Waterville City Council and one member of the Waterville School Board.

Since 1970, the following people have served as mayor of Waterville: Richard "Spike" Carey (1970–1978), Paul Laverdiere (Republican, 1978–1982); Ann Gilbride Hill (Democrat, 1982–1986); Thomas Nale (1986–1987); Judy C. Kany (Democrat, 1988–1989); David E. Bernier (1990–1993); Thomas J. Brazier (1994–1995); Nelson Megna (1995–1996); Ruth Joseph (Democrat, 1996–1998); Nelson Madore (Democrat, 1999–2004); Paul R. LePage (Republican, 2004–2011); Dana W. Sennett (Democrat, 2011); Karen Heck (independent, 2012–2014); Nicholas Isgro (Republican, 2015–2020); Jay Coelho (2021–present).

In 2018, Isgro faced a recall election after he made a Twitter post insulting a gun control activist present during the Stoneman Douglas High School shooting in Parkland, Florida. The recall effort was backed by former Mayor Karen Heck, a Democrat who had previously endorsed Isgro. Isgro later made his Twitter feed private and said that he had deleted the post. During the recall effort, Isgro asserted that outside interests and the City Council were plotting to oust him over disputes over the city budget and taxation. After an acrimonious recall campaign, Waterville voters defeated the recall attempt, with 1,563 "no" votes (51%) to 1,472 "yes" votes (49%).

Political makeup

Waterville is considered a Democratic stronghold in Maine's 1st congressional district. Barack Obama received 70% of Waterville's votes in the 2008 presidential election.

Voter registration

Transportation

• Robert LaFleur Airport
• Interstate 95
• US Route 201
• State Route 100A
• State Route 137
• State Route 32
• State Route 137 Business
• State Route 11
• State Route 104
• Pan Am Railways – Waterville Intermodal Facility

Education

Waterville Public Schools provides the city primary and secondary education. It was a part of Kennebec Valley Consolidated Schools (AOS92) from 2009 to 2018.

Kennebec Valley Community College in Fairfield is the local public community college. Colby College and Thomas College are private 4-year colleges located in the city. Colby is the third highest ranked liberal arts college in Maine, according to U.S. News.

Media

Waterville is home to one daily newspaper, the Morning Sentinel, and a weekly college newspaper, The Colby Echo. The city is also home to Fox affiliate WPFO and Daystar rebroadcaster WFYW-LP, both serving the Portland market, and to several radio stations, including Colby's WMHB, country WEBB, and MPBN on 91.3 FM.

The 2001 satirical comedy movie Wet Hot American Summer is set in a fictional summer camp near Waterville, with some scenes taking place in the city. The movie was filmed in Pennsylvania, but signs displaying "Waterville Maine Est. 1802 Pop. 17,173" and "Waterville C.B. Radio Supply Inc." are shown in these scenes. Gary, a character played by A. D. Miles, asks, "Hey, guys, how was Waterville?" after the group returns to camp from the city.

Sister cities

• Russia Kotlas, Arkhangelsk Oblast, Russia

Sites of interest

• Colby College
• Colby College Museum of Art
• Thomas College
• Atlantic Music Festival
• Maine International Film Festival
• Old Waterville High School
• Old Waterville Post Office
• Perkins Arboretum
• Waterville Historical Society - Redington Museum
• Waterville Public Library
• Waterville Opera House
• Waterville Main Street
• Waterville – Winslow Footbridge (Two Cent Bridge)

Notable people

Main article: List of people from Waterville, Maine

References

References

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