📍 Location & Geography
Mount Vernon is a charming town located in Kennebec County, Maine, United States. It is nestled in the southern part of the state and is part of the Augusta, Maine micropolitan statistical area. The town is spread across an area of 58.15 square miles, of which 51.72 square miles is land and 6.43 square miles is water. It is known for its hilly terrain and numerous bodies of water, including Echo Lake, Taylor Pond, and Parker Pond.
🌎 Coordinates
The geographic coordinates of Mount Vernon, Maine, are approximately 44.5022° N latitude and 69.9883° W longitude.
🗺️ Region & Area
Mount Vernon is part of the New England region of the northeastern United States. It is situated within Kennebec County, which is in the southern part of the state of Maine. The town covers a total area of 58.15 square miles.
👥 Population & Demographics
As per the 2010 Census, the population of Mount Vernon was 1,640. The town has a diverse age range, with a median age of 45.6 years. The population is predominantly White, with other ethnic groups making up a small percentage of the town’s residents.
🏛️ History
Mount Vernon was first settled in the 1770s and was originally known as Washington Plantation. It was incorporated as Mount Vernon in 1792, named after George Washington’s Virginia plantation. The town’s history is steeped in agriculture and forestry, with farming and logging being the primary industries for most of its existence.
🏞️ Nature & Environment
Mount Vernon is known for its natural beauty, with numerous lakes, ponds, and forests. The town is home to parts of the Kennebec Highlands, a large conservation area with trails for hiking, mountain biking, and cross-country skiing. Wildlife is abundant in the area, with opportunities for bird watching and spotting other native species. The town’s commitment to preserving its natural environment is evident in its active conservation efforts.
🏫 Education
Education in Mount Vernon is managed by the Maranacook Area Schools, part of the Regional School Unit 38. The town has one elementary school, Mount Vernon Elementary School, which serves students from kindergarten through grade 5. Middle and high school students attend schools in the nearby town of Readfield.
🚧 Transportation
Mount Vernon is primarily a car-dependent town with most residents relying on private vehicles for transportation. The town is served by Maine State Route 41 and Maine State Route 27, which provide connections to other parts of the state. The nearest airport is Augusta State Airport, located approximately 20 miles away.
📜 Trivia & Events
Every year, Mount Vernon hosts several community events, including the Mount Vernon Fall Festival and the annual Fourth of July parade. The town is also home to the Mount Vernon Community Center, which hosts a variety of events and activities throughout the year. Additionally, Mount Vernon was the childhood home of American artist, Abbott Handerson Thayer, known for his work in the field of natural history.