📍 Location & Geography
Houlton is a town in Aroostook County, Maine, United States. It is situated in the northeastern part of the state, near the Canadian border. The town is nestled along the Meduxnekeag River and is surrounded by a landscape of rolling hills and lush forests.
🌎 Coordinates
The geographical coordinates of Houlton, Maine are approximately 46.1262° N latitude and 67.8402° W longitude.
🗺️ Region & Area
Houlton is the county seat of Aroostook County, the largest county by area in the U.S. east of the Mississippi River. The town covers a total area of 36.73 square miles, of which 36.71 square miles is land and 0.02 square miles is water.
👥 Population & Demographics
As of the 2010 census, Houlton had a population of 6,123. The town’s population is predominantly Caucasian, with small percentages of African American, Native American, Asian, and other races. The median age in the town is around 41 years.
🏛️ History
Houlton was founded in 1807 and incorporated as a town in 1831. It was named after one of its original settlers, Joseph Houlton. The town played a significant role during the Aroostook War, a boundary dispute between the U.S. and British North America in the 1830s and 1840s. Houlton served as a major military staging area and supply depot during this time.
🏞️ Nature & Environment
Houlton is surrounded by the natural beauty of Maine’s wilderness. The Meduxnekeag River, which runs through the town, provides opportunities for fishing and canoeing. The town is also home to several parks and green spaces, including Community Park, Riverfront Park, and the 18-hole Houlton Community Golf Course.
🏫 Education
Education in Houlton is overseen by RSU 29, which operates Houlton Elementary School, Houlton Junior High School, and Houlton High School. The town is also home to the Houlton Higher Education Center, a branch of the University of Maine system, offering degree programs and professional development courses.
🚧 Transportation
Houlton is served by U.S. Route 1 and Interstate 95, providing easy access to other parts of Maine and the northeastern United States. The town is also home to Houlton International Airport, which offers general aviation services. Local transportation within the town is provided by the Aroostook Regional Transportation System.
📜 Trivia & Events
Houlton is known for its annual Agricultural Fair, which is held every July and features livestock shows, agricultural exhibits, and a variety of entertainment. The town is also home to the World’s Largest New Year’s Eve Snowman, a tradition that began in 2005. In terms of historical significance, Houlton was the starting point of the first transcontinental telephone call, made on July 29, 1915.