📍 Location & Geography
Topsham is a town located in Sagadahoc County, in the southern part of the state of Maine. It is situated on the eastern bank of the Androscoggin River and is bordered by the towns of Brunswick to the south, Bowdoin and Bowdoinham to the north, and Durham to the west. The town covers a total area of 35.74 square miles, of which 32.25 square miles is land and 3.49 square miles is water.
🌎 Coordinates
The geographical coordinates of Topsham, Maine are approximately 43.93 degrees north latitude and 69.95 degrees west longitude.
🗺️ Region & Area
Topsham is part of the Portland–South Portland–Biddeford, Maine metropolitan statistical area. The town is divided into several areas including Topsham Fair Mall, Topsham Heights, and Pejepscot Village. The ZIP code for Topsham is 04086.
👥 Population & Demographics
As of the 2020 census, the population of Topsham was approximately 8,780. The town has a diverse age range, with a median age of 44.4 years. The racial makeup of the town is predominantly White, with minor percentages of African American, Native American, Asian, and other races.
🏛️ History
Topsham was first settled by English settlers in 1630 and was incorporated as a town in 1764. It was named after Topsham in Devon, England. During the 19th century, the town was a center for shipbuilding and the lumber industry. The town’s historical landmarks include the Topsham Fairgrounds, which has been hosting agricultural fairs since 1854, and the Androscoggin Pedestrian Swinging Bridge, built in 1892.
🏞️ Nature & Environment
Topsham is home to several parks and natural reserves. The Cathance River Nature Preserve offers hiking trails and wildlife viewing opportunities. The town also has the Androscoggin Riverwalk, a 1.5-mile trail that offers scenic views of the Androscoggin River. Topsham’s commitment to preserving its natural environment is evident in its active Conservation Commission.
🏫 Education
Topsham is part of Maine School Administrative District 75, which also serves the towns of Bowdoin, Bowdoinham, and Harpswell. The town has several public schools, including Mt. Ararat High School, Mt. Ararat Middle School, and Woodside Elementary School. The town is also near several colleges and universities, including Bowdoin College in Brunswick.
🚧 Transportation
The town is served by the Maine Eastern Railroad and is near Interstate 295, which provides easy access to Portland and the rest of the state. The Brunswick Executive Airport is the nearest airport, located just south of Topsham. The town also has several local bus services for public transportation.
📜 Trivia & Events
Topsham hosts several annual events, including the Topsham Fair, a week-long event held in August that features agricultural exhibits, carnival rides, and live entertainment. The town is also known for its annual “Topsham’s Got Talent” show. A fun fact about Topsham is that it was the filming location for the 1996 movie “Thinner,” based on the Stephen King novel.