📍 Location & Geography
Bryant Pond, also known as Woodstock, is a charming town located in Oxford County, Maine. It is situated in the western part of the state, nestled in the foothills of the White Mountains. The town is characterized by its rolling hills, lush forests, and the namesake Bryant Pond, which is the largest body of water in the area.
🌎 Coordinates
The geographical coordinates for Bryant Pond are approximately 44.3728° N latitude and 70.6078° W longitude.
🗺️ Region & Area
Bryant Pond is part of the New England region of the United States. It is located in the western part of Maine, close to the New Hampshire border. The town covers a total area of approximately 47.7 square miles, of which 46.4 square miles is land and 1.3 square miles is water.
👥 Population & Demographics
As of the 2010 census, Bryant Pond had a population of approximately 1,300 residents. The town has a predominantly white demographic, with a small percentage of other races. The median age in Bryant Pond is around 45 years, slightly higher than the national average.
🏛️ History
Bryant Pond was originally a part of a larger tract of land granted by Massachusetts in 1798 to Josiah Richardson and others. It was first settled in 1800 and incorporated as the town of Woodstock in 1815. The village of Bryant Pond, named after one of the area’s original settlers, became the town’s commercial center. It was known for its shoe factories in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Bryant Pond gained national attention when it became the last community in the United States to give up manual crank telephones, not switching to direct dial until 1983.
🏞️ Nature & Environment
Bryant Pond is known for its stunning natural beauty. The town is surrounded by forests, hills, and water bodies, providing residents and visitors with ample opportunities for outdoor activities. The town’s namesake, Bryant Pond, is a popular spot for fishing, boating, and swimming. The area is also home to a variety of wildlife, including deer, moose, and numerous bird species.
🏫 Education
Education in Bryant Pond is provided by the Maine School Administrative District 44, which serves several communities in Oxford County. The district operates an elementary school, a middle school, and a high school. For higher education, residents have access to several colleges and universities within driving distance, including the University of Maine at Farmington.
🚧 Transportation
Bryant Pond is served by U.S. Route 26, which provides direct access to the nearby cities of Portland and Augusta. The town is also within reasonable driving distance of several major airports, including Portland International Jetport and Bangor International Airport. Public transportation is limited, so most residents rely on personal vehicles for commuting.
📜 Trivia & Events
Bryant Pond is known for being the last place in the United States to use a hand-cranked telephone system. The system was in use until 1983, when the last hand-cranked telephone was retired. The town celebrates this unique piece of history with a Telephone Museum.
The town also hosts several community events throughout the year, including the annual Woodstock Heritage Festival, which celebrates the area’s history and culture with a parade, craft fair, and other activities.