📍 Location & Geography
Norway is a charming town located in the state of Maine, United States. It is situated in Oxford County and is part of the Portland-South Portland-Biddeford, Maine metropolitan statistical area. Norway is nestled in the foothills of the White Mountains and is surrounded by several lakes, including Lake Pennesseewassee, also known as Norway Lake.
🌎 Coordinates
The geographical coordinates of Norway, Maine are approximately 44.213° N latitude and 70.545° W longitude.
🗺️ Region & Area
Norway spans a total area of 47.33 square miles, according to the United States Census Bureau. Of this total area, 45.06 square miles is land, and 2.27 square miles, or 4.79%, is water. The town is located in the western part of Maine, near the New Hampshire border.
👥 Population & Demographics
As of the 2010 census, the population of Norway was 5,014. The town’s population is primarily White, with small percentages of African American, Native American, Asian, and other races. The median age in the town is around 45 years, and there is a fairly even distribution of males and females.
🏛️ History
Norway was first settled in 1786 by a man named Joseph Stevens, and it was incorporated as a town in 1797. The town was initially an agricultural community, but it soon developed a robust shoe manufacturing industry in the 19th and early 20th centuries. The town’s historic Main Street is a testament to its rich history, featuring several buildings dating back to the 19th century.
🏞️ Nature & Environment
Norway is known for its beautiful natural environment. The town is surrounded by rolling hills, pristine lakes, and dense forests, offering ample opportunities for outdoor activities such as hiking, fishing, and boating. Norway Lake, also known as Lake Pennesseewassee, is a popular destination for residents and tourists alike. The town is also home to several parks and conservation areas, including Ordway Grove, a 16-acre preserve with old-growth trees.
🏫 Education
Education in Norway is managed by the Oxford Hills School District. The town has several public schools, including Guy E. Rowe Elementary School, Oxford Hills Middle School, and Oxford Hills Comprehensive High School. The town also has a public library, the Norway Memorial Library, which offers a variety of resources and programs for residents of all ages.
🚧 Transportation
Norway is served by U.S. Route 26 and State Routes 117 and 118, providing easy access to nearby towns and cities. The town is also within driving distance of the Portland International Jetport and the Auburn/Lewiston Municipal Airport. For local transportation, residents can use the Western Maine Transportation Services, which offers bus service in the region.
📜 Trivia & Events
Every year, Norway hosts the Norway Arts Festival, a vibrant event that celebrates local artists and artisans. The town is also known for its historic Opera House, which was built in 1894 and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Additionally, Norway was once known as the “Snowshoe Capital of the World” due to the presence of a major snowshoe manufacturing company in the town during the 20th century.