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Sagadahoc County, Maine

Coordinates: 43°55′N 69°50′W / 43.91°N 69.84°W / 43.91; -69.84
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Sagadahoc County
County
Doubling Point Light and Bath Iron Works
Doubling Point Light and Bath Iron Works
Official seal of Sagadahoc County
Seal
Map of Maine highlighting Sagadahoc County
Location within the U.S. state of Maine
Map of the United States highlighting Maine
Maine's location within the U.S.
Coordinates: 43°56′58″N 69°51′26″W / 43.949341°N 69.8573°W / 43.949341; -69.8573
Country United States
State Maine
FoundedFebruary 14, 1854
Named forAbenaki word meaning "mouth of the big river;"[1] a former name for the Kennebec River
SeatBath
Largest cityTopsham
Area
 • Total
370 sq mi (1,000 km2)
 • Land254 sq mi (660 km2)
 • Water116 sq mi (300 km2)  31%
Population
 (2020)
 • Total
36,699
 • Density99/sq mi (38/km2)
Time zoneUTC−5 (Eastern)
 • Summer (DST)UTC−4 (EDT)
Congressional district1st
Websitesagadahoccountyme.gov

Sagadahoc County (/ˈsæɡədəhɒk/ SAG-ə-də-hok) is a county located in the U.S. state of Maine. As of the 2020 census, the population was 36,699.[2] Its county seat is Bath.[3] In geographic area, it is the smallest county in Maine.

Sagadahoc County is part of the Portland–South Portland, ME Metropolitan Statistical Area.

History

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Exploration and settlement

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Sagadahoc County was initially part of York and, later, Lincoln County before being set off and incorporated in 1854. The name comes from the "Sagadahoc River", an early name for the Kennebec River.[4] Samuel de Champlain led the first known visit of Europeans to the region. In 1607, the English Popham Colony was established in what is now Phippsburg; it was abandoned a year later, but English fishermen and trappers continued to visit the area. John Smith explored the region in 1614 and reported back to King Charles I, who named the Sagadahoc area "Leethe."[5]

When the Plymouth Council for New England was dissolved in 1635, 10,000 acres (40 km2) on the east side of the Kennebec River were divided up and granted to private owners. Over the years, these proprietors extended their claims through additional land grants, purchases from Native Americans, and exploitation of the often poorly defined boundaries of their lands. By 1660, Englishmen held the titles to the whole of what is now Sagadahoc County.[5]

When King Philip’s War broke out in 1675, the plundering of one house was the only hostile act in Sagadahoc County until August 1676, at which point three settlements were attacked and 53 people taken captive by Native Americans. The region was almost totally abandoned by settlers, and no permanent settlement was established until 1715, when Arrowsic and Brunswick were founded. Scotch-Irish Presbyterians began immigrating to the region in increasingly large numbers, though occasional violence persisted until 1759, when the French and Indian Wars ended in Maine.[5]

Later conflicts

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There were no significant conflicts in Sagadahoc during the American Revolutionary War, despite fear of attack from British cruisers. Two British armed vessels sailed up the Kennebec River toward Bath, but turned back after being attacked. In the War of 1812, the capture of HMS Boxer occurred nearby. During the Civil War the county furnished to the Union forces 2,488 men.[5]

Nineteenth century

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Steam power was first used on the Kennebec as early as 1818 for propelling boats. What became the Bath branch of the Maine Central Railroad was completed in 1849; and the Knox and Lincoln Railroad was opened in 1871. The first newspaper was published in the county in 1820.

Sagadahoc County was set off from Lincoln and incorporated in 1854, with Bath as the county seat. Its valuation in 1870 was $11,041,340. In 1880 it was $10,297,215. The polls in 1870 numbered 4,669, and in 1880, 5,182. The population in 1870 was 18,803. In 1880 it was 19,276.[5]

From 1880 to 2000, the county's population nearly doubled to 35,214.[6]

Geography

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According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 370 square miles (960 km2), of which 254 square miles (660 km2) is land and 116 square miles (300 km2) (31%) is water.[7] It is the smallest county in Maine by area.

Adjacent counties

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National protected area

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Demographics

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Historical population
CensusPop.Note%±
186021,790—
187018,803−13.7%
188019,2722.5%
189019,4520.9%
190020,3304.5%
191018,574−8.6%
192023,02123.9%
193016,927−26.5%
194019,12313.0%
195020,9119.3%
196022,7939.0%
197023,4522.9%
198028,79522.8%
199033,53516.5%
200035,2145.0%
201035,2930.2%
202036,6994.0%
2023 (est.)37,513[8]2.2%
U.S. Decennial Census[9]
1790-1960[10] 1900-1990[11]
1990-2000[12] 2010-2016[13]

2000 census

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As of the census[14] of 2000,[15] there were 35,214 people, 14,117 households, and 9,641 families living in the county. The population density was 139 inhabitants per square mile (54/km2). There were 16,489 housing units at an average density of 65 per square mile (25/km2). The racial makeup of the county was 96.49% White, 0.92% Black or African American, 0.31% Native American, 0.63% Asian, 0.06% Pacific Islander, 0.38% from other races, and 1.21% from two or more races. 1.11% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race.

There were 14,117 households, out of which 33.20% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 54.60% were married couples living together, 9.60% had a female householder with no husband present, and 31.70% were non-families. 25.20% of all households were made up of individuals, and 9.30% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.47 and the average family size was 2.96.

In the county, the population was spread out, with 25.80% under the age of 18, 6.60% from 18 to 24, 30.50% from 25 to 44, 24.90% from 45 to 64, and 12.30% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 38 years. For every 100 females, there were 96.30 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 93.10 males.

The median income for a household in the county was $41,908, and the median income for a family was $49,714. Males had a median income of $34,039 versus $24,689 for females. The per capita income for the county was $20,378. About 6.90% of families and 8.60% of the population were below the poverty line, including 12.20% of those under age 18 and 6.40% of those age 65 or over.

22.0% were of English, 11.6% Irish, 11.1% French, 10.6% United States or American, 8.0% French Canadian and 7.3% German ancestry according to Census 2000. 96.1% spoke English and 2.2% French as their first language.

According to the Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Sagadahoc County has the lowest rate of immunization of two-year-olds in the state, at 26%, only a third of the statewide average of 75% and more than 30% lower than the next lowest county in the state.

2010 census

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As of the 2010 United States census, there were 35,293 people, 15,088 households, and 9,869 families living in the county.[16] The population density was 139.1 inhabitants per square mile (53.7/km2). There were 18,288 housing units at an average density of 72.1 per square mile (27.8/km2).[17] The racial makeup of the county was 96.2% white, 0.8% Asian, 0.7% black or African American, 0.4% American Indian, 0.3% from other races, and 1.6% from two or more races. Those of Hispanic or Latino origin made up 1.3% of the population.[16] In terms of ancestry, 26.9% were English, 16.8% were Irish, 11.8% were German, 8.1% were French Canadian, 6.6% were Italian, 6.5% were Scottish, and 6.4% were American.[18]

Of the 15,088 households, 28.4% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 51.2% were married couples living together, 10.1% had a female householder with no husband present, 34.6% were non-families, and 27.1% of all households were made up of individuals. The average household size was 2.32 and the average family size was 2.81. The median age was 44.1 years.[16]

The median income for a household in the county was $55,486 and the median income for a family was $66,650. Males had a median income of $46,068 versus $35,107 for females. The per capita income for the county was $26,983. About 5.7% of families and 8.8% of the population were below the poverty line, including 12.0% of those under age 18 and 7.4% of those age 65 or over.[19]

Politics

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State senators representing Sagadahoc County

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  • Senator Pamela Cahill, R-Woolwich, 1986–1994
  • Senator Mary Small, R-Bath, 1994–2002
  • Senator Arthur Mayo III, R/D-Bath, 2002–2006
  • Senator Paula Benoit, R-Phippsburg, 2006–2008
  • Senator Seth Goodall, D-Richmond, 2008–2013
    • Eloise Vitelli was elected to the Maine Senate in the special election to replace Senator Goodall.
  • Senator Linda Baker, R-Topsham, 2014–2017
  • Senator Eloise Vitelli, D-Arrowsic, 2017–Present

Voter Registration

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Voter registration and party enrollment as of March 2024[20]
Democratic 10,336 37.48%
Unenrolled 8,177 29.65%
Republican 7,501 27.2%
Green Independent 1,105 4.01%
No Labels 370 1.34%
Libertarian 88 0.32%
Total 27,577 100%

Presidential election results

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Sagadahoc County is a reliable state bellwether, having voted for Maine's statewide winner in every presidential election since 1948.

United States presidential election results for Sagadahoc County, Maine[21]
Year Republican Democratic Third party(ies)
No.  % No.  % No.  %
2024 9,917 40.55% 13,982 57.17% 557 2.28%
2020 9,755 40.58% 13,528 56.28% 755 3.14%
2016 9,304 43.04% 10,664 49.33% 1,648 7.62%
2012 8,429 40.54% 11,821 56.85% 544 2.62%
2008 8,721 40.94% 12,152 57.05% 428 2.01%
2004 9,497 45.05% 11,107 52.69% 475 2.25%
2000 8,052 43.75% 8,844 48.05% 1,510 8.20%
1996 5,346 31.59% 8,417 49.73% 3,161 18.68%
1992 5,917 31.96% 6,828 36.88% 5,768 31.16%
1988 8,825 58.22% 6,212 40.98% 121 0.80%
1984 9,222 63.51% 5,208 35.87% 90 0.62%
1980 5,946 45.23% 5,663 43.08% 1,536 11.69%
1976 5,988 50.42% 5,529 46.56% 359 3.02%
1972 6,463 65.35% 3,414 34.52% 13 0.13%
1968 4,126 41.73% 5,553 56.16% 209 2.11%
1964 2,733 28.06% 7,006 71.93% 1 0.01%
1960 6,386 61.69% 3,965 38.31% 0 0.00%
1956 6,201 72.94% 2,301 27.06% 0 0.00%
1952 5,799 66.90% 2,850 32.88% 19 0.22%
1948 3,745 58.77% 2,556 40.11% 71 1.11%
1944 3,883 49.22% 4,003 50.74% 3 0.04%
1940 3,504 43.30% 4,575 56.54% 13 0.16%
1936 3,707 51.99% 3,273 45.90% 150 2.10%
1932 4,220 59.97% 2,763 39.26% 54 0.77%
1928 4,605 74.18% 1,583 25.50% 20 0.32%
1924 3,518 73.26% 1,084 22.57% 200 4.16%
1920 3,857 68.36% 1,709 30.29% 76 1.35%
1916 1,828 49.01% 1,791 48.02% 111 2.98%
1912 885 25.31% 1,331 38.06% 1,281 36.63%
1908 1,776 64.00% 838 30.20% 161 5.80%
1904 1,948 66.76% 754 25.84% 216 7.40%
1900 2,245 64.49% 1,025 29.45% 211 6.06%
1896 2,725 71.60% 957 25.14% 124 3.26%
1892 2,265 61.27% 1,278 34.57% 154 4.17%
1888 2,536 63.24% 1,246 31.07% 228 5.69%
1884 2,730 64.01% 1,278 29.96% 257 6.03%
1880 2,932 61.84% 1,761 37.14% 48 1.01%

Communities

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City

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Towns

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Unorganized territory

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Census-designated places

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See also

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References

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  1. ^ "Sagadahoc County".
  2. ^ "Census - Geography Profile: Sagadahoc County, Maine". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved November 21, 2021.
  3. ^ "Find a County". National Association of Counties. Retrieved June 7, 2011.
  4. ^ "History of Sagadahoc County, Maine". history.rays-place.com. Retrieved February 9, 2019.
  5. ^ a b c d e Varney, George Jones (1881). "History of Sagadahoc County, Maine". A Gazetteer of the State of Maine. B. B. Russell. ISBN 978-1556134548. Retrieved August 15, 2011.
  6. ^ "U.S. Census Bureau – State & County QuickFacts – Sagadahoc County". Retrieved August 10, 2007.
  7. ^ "2010 Census Gazetteer Files". United States Census Bureau. August 22, 2012. Archived from the original on September 9, 2014. Retrieved September 7, 2014.
  8. ^ "Annual Estimates of the Resident Population for Counties: April 1, 2020 to July 1, 2023". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved April 3, 2024.
  9. ^ "U.S. Decennial Census". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved June 2, 2017.
  10. ^ "Historical Census Browser". University of Virginia Library. Retrieved June 2, 2017.
  11. ^ "Population of Counties by Decennial Census: 1900 to 1990". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved June 2, 2017.
  12. ^ "Census 2000 PHC-T-4. Ranking Tables for Counties: 1990 and 2000" (PDF). United States Census Bureau. Archived (PDF) from the original on March 27, 2010. Retrieved June 2, 2017.
  13. ^ "State & County QuickFacts". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved August 19, 2013.
  14. ^ "U.S. Census website". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved January 31, 2008.
  15. ^ "State & County "QuickFacts": Sagadahoc County". U.S. Census Bureau. Archived from the original on February 10, 2007. Retrieved May 13, 2007.
  16. ^ a b c "DP-1 Profile of General Population and Housing Characteristics: 2010 Demographic Profile Data". United States Census Bureau. Archived from the original on February 13, 2020. Retrieved January 21, 2016.
  17. ^ "Population, Housing Units, Area, and Density: 2010 - County". United States Census Bureau. Archived from the original on February 13, 2020. Retrieved January 21, 2016.
  18. ^ "DP02 SELECTED SOCIAL CHARACTERISTICS IN THE UNITED STATES – 2006-2010 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates". United States Census Bureau. Archived from the original on February 13, 2020. Retrieved January 21, 2016.
  19. ^ "DP03 SELECTED ECONOMIC CHARACTERISTICS – 2006-2010 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates". United States Census Bureau. Archived from the original on February 13, 2020. Retrieved January 21, 2016.
  20. ^ Bureau of Corporations, Elections & Commissions. "Registered & Enrolled Voters Statewide" (PDF). Maine SOS. Retrieved April 9, 2024.
  21. ^ Leip, David. "Dave Leip's Atlas of U.S. Presidential Elections". uselectionatlas.org. Retrieved August 26, 2018.
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43°55′N 69°50′W / 43.91°N 69.84°W / 43.91; -69.84

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