📍 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.