Category: G

  • Gray, Maine

    📍 Location & Geography

    Gray is a charming town situated in Cumberland County, in the southern part of the state of Maine, United States. The town is nestled amidst a picturesque landscape and is bordered by the towns of New Gloucester, Windham, Raymond, Casco, and Poland. Gray covers a total area of 45.99 square miles, of which 42.75 square miles is land and 3.24 square miles is water. The town is home to several bodies of water including Crystal Lake, Forest Lake, Little Sebago Lake, and Collyer Brook.

    🌎 Coordinates

    The geographical coordinates of Gray, Maine, are approximately 43.89 degrees north latitude and 70.33 degrees west longitude.

    🗺️ Region & Area

    Gray is part of the Portland–South Portland–Biddeford, Maine metropolitan statistical area. The town is located in the southern region of the state of Maine, which is known for its coastal and forested landscapes. The town spans a total area of 45.99 square miles.

    👥 Population & Demographics

    As of the 2010 census, the population of Gray was 7,761. The town’s population is predominantly White, with smaller percentages of African American, Native American, Asian, and other races. The median age in Gray is around 40 years, and the town has a slightly higher percentage of females than males.

    🏛️ History

    The area that is now Gray was originally inhabited by the Abenaki Indigenous people. The town was incorporated on June 19, 1778, and was named after Thomas Gray, a proprietor. Gray was primarily an agricultural community in its early years, but it also developed into a small industrial hub with mills along Collyer Brook.

    🏞️ Nature & Environment

    Gray is known for its scenic beauty, with numerous lakes, brooks, and forested areas. It is home to the Maine Wildlife Park, a popular attraction where visitors can see a variety of native wildlife species. The town also features several parks and trails, including the Libby Hill Forest Trails, offering opportunities for hiking, biking, and wildlife viewing.

    🏫 Education

    Education in Gray is managed by the Gray-New Gloucester School District, which includes Gray-New Gloucester High School, Gray-New Gloucester Middle School, and Russell Elementary School. The town also has a public library, the Gray Public Library, which offers a range of services and resources for residents.

    🚧 Transportation

    Transportation in Gray is facilitated by a network of state routes, including Route 4, Route 26, Route 100, and Route 115. The town is also serviced by the Greater Portland Transit District METRO bus service. The nearest major airport is the Portland International Jetport, located about 20 miles south of Gray.

    📜 Trivia & Events

    Gray is home to the annual Gray Blueberry Festival, a popular event that celebrates Maine’s blueberry harvest with food, music, and family-friendly activities. The town also hosts the Gray Snow Wolves Snowmobile Club’s annual snowmobile races. An interesting piece of trivia is that Gray is the site of the historic Pennell Institute, a former school building listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

  • Gorham, Maine

    📍 Location & Geography

    Gorham is a charming town located in Cumberland County, Maine, United States. It is situated in the southern part of the state, approximately 11 miles west of Portland. The town is spread over a total area of 51.12 square miles, out of which 50.73 square miles is land and 0.39 square miles is water. The terrain is mainly characterized by rolling hills and fertile plains.

    🌎 Coordinates

    The geographical coordinates of Gorham, Maine are approximately 43.6795° N latitude and 70.4447° W longitude.

    🗺️ Region & Area

    Gorham is part of the Portland–South Portland–Biddeford, Maine metropolitan statistical area. It is surrounded by several towns including Standish and Buxton to the west, Scarborough and Westbrook to the east, and Windham to the north. The town covers a total area of 51.12 square miles.

    👥 Population & Demographics

    As per the 2020 census, Gorham has a population of approximately 17,381 residents. The town has a diverse age range, with a median age of 36.8 years. The population is predominantly White, accounting for about 95.6% of the total population. Other ethnic groups include Asian, African American, and Hispanic.

    🏛️ History

    Gorham was first settled in 1736 by Captain John Phinney and other families from New England. It was incorporated as a town in 1764 and was named after Lord George Gorham, an Englishman who never visited the area. The town was primarily an agricultural community in its early years, but it gradually developed into a residential and commercial hub due to its proximity to Portland.

    🏞️ Nature & Environment

    Gorham is home to a number of parks and natural attractions. The Presumpscot River flows through the town, providing opportunities for fishing and boating. The town also boasts several trails for hiking and biking, including the popular Mountain Division Trail. Gorham’s commitment to preserving its natural environment is evident in its numerous conservation areas and green spaces.

    🏫 Education

    Gorham is served by the Gorham School Department, which operates three elementary schools, one middle school, and Gorham High School. The town is also home to the University of Southern Maine’s Gorham campus, offering a range of undergraduate and graduate programs.

    🚧 Transportation

    Gorham is well-connected by road, with U.S. Route 202 and State Route 25 passing through the town. The town is also served by the Greater Portland Transit District METRO bus service, providing links to Portland and other nearby towns. The Portland International Jetport, located about 13 miles east of Gorham, offers domestic and limited international flights.

    📜 Trivia & Events

    Gorham is known for its annual events such as the Gorham Founders Festival in the summer, which celebrates the town’s history and heritage. The town also hosts the popular Gorham Marketplace event in March, featuring local businesses and artisans. An interesting fact about Gorham is that it was once considered as a potential capital for the state of Maine, but lost to Augusta in the final decision.

  • Greenland, New Hampshire

    📍 Location & Geography

    Greenland is a charming town located in Rockingham County, New Hampshire, United States. The town is positioned in the southeastern part of the state, approximately six miles from the Atlantic Ocean. It is bordered by the towns of Portsmouth, Rye, North Hampton, Stratham, and Newington. The town covers a total area of 13.3 square miles, of which 0.2 square miles is water.

    🌎 Coordinates

    The geographical coordinates of Greenland, New Hampshire are approximately 43.03 degrees North latitude and 70.83 degrees West longitude.

    🗺️ Region & Area

    Greenland is part of the New England region of the United States. It is situated in the southeastern corner of New Hampshire in Rockingham County. The town covers an area of approximately 13.3 square miles.

    👥 Population & Demographics

    As of the 2010 Census, Greenland had a population of 3,549. The town has seen steady growth over the years. The population is predominantly white, with a small percentage of the population being Asian, Hispanic, and African American. The median age in Greenland is around 46 years.

    🏛️ History

    Greenland was first settled by Europeans around 1635 and was incorporated as a town in 1721. It was initially a part of Portsmouth (then called Strawbery Banke), one of the oldest towns in the United States. Greenland got its name for its green and fertile farmland. Over the years, the town has maintained its rural character while also developing into a desirable residential community.

    🏞️ Nature & Environment

    Greenland offers a range of natural beauty, from its lush green landscapes to its proximity to the Atlantic Ocean. The town is home to the Great Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve, a significant estuary that provides a habitat for a wide variety of wildlife. The town also has several parks and recreational areas where residents can enjoy outdoor activities.

    🏫 Education

    Education in Greenland is managed by the Greenland School District, which operates the Greenland Central School, serving students from kindergarten through eighth grade. High school students from Greenland usually attend Portsmouth High School in the neighboring town of Portsmouth.

    🚧 Transportation

    Major roads passing through Greenland include Interstate 95, New Hampshire Route 33, and U.S. Route 1. The town is also conveniently located near the Portsmouth International Airport at Pease.

    📜 Trivia & Events

    Greenland is known for its annual community events, including the Greenland Summer Day, a family-friendly event featuring games, food, and entertainment. The town also hosts the Great Bay Half Marathon & 5k, attracting runners from all over the region. In terms of trivia, Greenland is one of the few places in the United States where all ZIP codes start with 038.

  • Glen, New Hampshire

    📍 Location & Geography

    Glen is a small village located in the town of Bartlett, within Carroll County, in the state of New Hampshire, United States. It is nestled in the White Mountains, a mountain range covering about a quarter of the state of New Hampshire and a small part of western Maine. The Saco River runs through the village, enhancing the natural beauty of the area.

    🌎 Coordinates

    The geographical coordinates for Glen are approximately 44.08 degrees north latitude and 71.18 degrees west longitude.

    🗺️ Region & Area

    Glen is situated in the northeastern part of the United States, specifically in the New England region. It is part of the larger Mount Washington Valley area, known for its stunning landscapes and outdoor recreational opportunities. The village itself spans a relatively small area within the town of Bartlett.

    👥 Population & Demographics

    As Glen is a village within the town of Bartlett, it does not have its own separate population count. However, the town of Bartlett, as of the 2010 census, had a population of 2,788. The demographics of Bartlett, and by extension Glen, are predominantly White, with small percentages of other races.

    🏛️ History

    The village of Glen was named after the Glen House, a grand hotel that was built in the area in the 1850s. The hotel was a popular destination for tourists visiting the White Mountains. Although the original Glen House burned down, it was replaced by a new hotel that continues to welcome visitors today.

    🏞️ Nature & Environment

    Glen is surrounded by the natural beauty of the White Mountains. The area is home to a variety of wildlife and plant species, and offers numerous outdoor activities such as hiking, skiing, and bird watching. The Saco River offers opportunities for fishing, canoeing, and kayaking. The village is also near the White Mountain National Forest, a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts.

    🏫 Education

    Education in Glen is managed by the Conway School District, which serves several towns in the area. The district operates several elementary, middle, and high schools. For higher education, residents of Glen can access institutions in the broader region, including the University of New Hampshire.

    🚧 Transportation

    Transportation in Glen is primarily by road, with New Hampshire Route 16 and U.S. Route 302 serving as the main thoroughfares. The nearest major airport is Portland International Jetport in Maine, approximately 60 miles away. Local transportation services, including buses and taxis, are also available in the area.

    📜 Trivia & Events

    Glen is home to Story Land, a popular amusement park themed around fairy tales, which attracts visitors from all over New England. The village also hosts several events throughout the year, including the annual Mud Bowl, a mud football championship that raises funds for local charities. Additionally, Glen is just a short drive from Mount Washington, the highest peak in the northeastern U.S.

  • Gilmanton Iron Works, New Hampshire

    📍 Location & Geography

    Gilmanton Iron Works is a small village located in the town of Gilmanton in the state of New Hampshire, United States. This charming village is nestled in the county of Belknap. The region is characterized by its rural landscapes, featuring a mix of forests, hills, and lakes.

    🌎 Coordinates

    The geographical coordinates of Gilmanton Iron Works are approximately 43.4064° N latitude and 71.3878° W longitude.

    🗺️ Region & Area

    Gilmanton Iron Works is located in the Lakes Region of New Hampshire, a popular area known for its many lakes and natural beauty. The village covers a relatively small area within the larger town of Gilmanton, which spans over 59.7 square miles.

    👥 Population & Demographics

    As Gilmanton Iron Works is a village within the town of Gilmanton, it does not have its own separate population count. However, the town of Gilmanton as a whole has a population of approximately 3,777 people, according to the U.S. Census Bureau’s data from 2019. The demographics of Gilmanton are predominantly white, with smaller populations of Hispanic, Asian, and African American residents.

    🏛️ History

    The village of Gilmanton Iron Works gets its name from the historic ironworks industry that was established in the area in the late 18th century. The ironworks was a significant part of the local economy and community for many years. The village’s historical significance is still evident today, with several historic buildings and sites that reflect its industrial past.

    🏞️ Nature & Environment

    Gilmanton Iron Works is surrounded by natural beauty, with numerous lakes, forests, and hills in and around the village. It is close to the Belknap Range and the White Mountains, providing opportunities for hiking, fishing, and other outdoor activities. The village is also home to several parks and green spaces, including the Crystal Lake Park.

    🏫 Education

    Education in Gilmanton Iron Works is served by the Gilmanton School District, which provides education for students from kindergarten through eighth grade. For high school, students typically attend the Gilford High School in the nearby town of Gilford. The region is also within commuting distance of several colleges and universities.

    🚧 Transportation

    Transportation in Gilmanton Iron Works is primarily by road, with New Hampshire Route 140 serving as the main thoroughfare through the village. The nearest airport is the Laconia Municipal Airport, located approximately 12 miles away in Gilford. Public transportation options are limited, reflecting the rural nature of the area.

    📜 Trivia & Events

    Gilmanton Iron Works is known for its annual Old Home Day, a community event that celebrates the village’s history and community spirit. The event typically includes a parade, craft fair, live music, and other festivities. The village is also notable for its historic sites, including the Gilmanton Ironworks Library and the Iron Works Market, both of which are listed on the National Register of Historic Places.