📍 Location & Geography
Raymond is a charming town located in Cumberland County, Maine, United States. It is nestled in the Sebago Lakes region and is surrounded by several bodies of water, including Sebago Lake, Panther Pond, Raymond Pond, and Crescent Lake. The town’s landscape is characterized by rolling hills, lush forests, and scenic waterways.
🌎 Coordinates
The geographical coordinates of Raymond, Maine are approximately 43.9014° N latitude and 70.4703° W longitude.
🗺️ Region & Area
Raymond is part of the Portland–South Portland–Biddeford, Maine Metropolitan Statistical Area. The town spans a total area of about 44.59 square miles (115.49 km²), of which, 34.28 square miles (88.79 km²) is land and 10.31 square miles (26.70 km²) is water, according to the United States Census Bureau.
👥 Population & Demographics
As of the 2010 census, Raymond had a population of approximately 4,436 residents. The population density was about 129.4 inhabitants per square mile (49.9/km²). The racial makeup of the town was predominantly White, with minor representations from other races. The median age in the town was around 44 years.
🏛️ History
Raymond was incorporated as a town on June 21, 1803. It was named after Captain William Raymond of Beverly, Massachusetts, an early settler. Raymond was originally a farming and fishing community, but with the development of the railroad in the 19th century, it became more industrialized, with factories producing goods such as shoes and ice tools.
🏞️ Nature & Environment
Raymond is known for its beautiful natural environment, with several lakes, ponds, and forests. It offers a variety of outdoor activities such as fishing, boating, hiking, and wildlife viewing. The town is home to the Morgan Meadow Wildlife Management Area, a 1,500-acre nature reserve that provides habitat for a variety of wildlife species.
🏫 Education
Raymond is served by the Regional School Unit 14 (RSU 14). The town has one elementary school, Raymond Elementary School, which serves students from kindergarten through fourth grade. For middle and high school, students attend Windham Middle School and Windham High School, located in the neighboring town of Windham.
🚧 Transportation
Raymond is accessible by road through U.S. Route 302, which runs through the town. The town is approximately 25 miles from Portland, Maine’s largest city, and about 18 miles from the Maine Turnpike (Interstate 95), providing easy access to other parts of the state and New England. The closest major airport is Portland International Jetport, located about 23 miles from Raymond.
📜 Trivia & Events
Every year, Raymond hosts a variety of community events, including the Raymond Village Library Summer Reading Program, the Raymond Rattlers Snowmobile Club events, and the annual Fourth of July parade. One interesting fact about Raymond is that it was the birthplace of Nathaniel Hawthorne’s mother, Elizabeth Clarke Manning Hawthorne.