📍 Location & Geography
Poland is a town located in Androscoggin County, in the state of Maine, United States. It is nestled in the southwestern part of Maine, approximately 40 miles north of Portland and 30 miles west of Augusta. The town is characterized by a mix of rolling hills, beautiful lakes, and dense forests. Poland covers a total area of 47.62 square miles, of which 44.80 square miles is land and 2.82 square miles is water.
🌎 Coordinates
The geographical coordinates of Poland, Maine are approximately 44°3′35″ N latitude and 70°23′40″ W longitude.
🗺️ Region & Area
Poland is part of the Lewiston-Auburn, Maine Metropolitan Statistical Area. The town is bordered by the towns of Casco and Raymond to the south, Oxford to the west, Mechanic Falls to the north, and Auburn and New Gloucester to the east. The town’s area is divided into Poland, Poland Corner, Poland Spring, and West Poland.
👥 Population & Demographics
As of the 2010 census, Poland had a population of 5,376. The population density was 120.0 inhabitants per square mile. The racial makeup of the town was predominantly White, with a small percentage of African American, Native American, Asian, and other races. The median age in the town was 42.3 years.
🏛️ History
Poland was first settled in 1765 and was incorporated as a town on January 11, 1795. The town was named after the Eastern European country, Poland, in a gesture of solidarity for the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth which had recently been partitioned. Poland played a significant role in the ice industry during the 19th century, with the Poland Spring brand gaining national recognition.
🏞️ Nature & Environment
Poland is home to the Range Ponds State Park, a popular destination for outdoor activities such as swimming, fishing, and hiking. The town is also known for its pristine lakes, including Tripp Lake, Thompson Lake, and Upper Range Pond. The area’s natural beauty is complemented by its rich biodiversity, with numerous species of plants and animals inhabiting the region.
🏫 Education
Education in Poland is administered by the Regional School Unit 16, which also serves the towns of Mechanic Falls and Minot. The town has two elementary schools, one middle school, and one high school. Higher education opportunities are available in nearby cities such as Lewiston and Auburn.
🚧 Transportation
Poland is served by U.S. Route 26 and State Route 11, which provide connections to other parts of Maine. The closest major airport is the Portland International Jetport, located about 40 miles south of Poland. Local transportation services are provided by the Western Maine Transportation Services.
📜 Trivia & Events
Poland is famous for the Poland Spring Resort, which has been a vacation destination since the 19th century. The town is also home to the Poland Spring Preservation Park, which features the historic Maine State Building and All Souls Chapel. Every year, Poland hosts the Maine Blues Festival, a popular event that attracts music lovers from all over the region.