History of Canaan, Maine, USA

1839 - Canaan
Canaan, Maine
Somerset county. This town was first settled in 1774, and incorporated in 1788. It formerly embraced the territory of Skowhegan and Bloomfield. It is a good farming town, and produced, in 1837, 5,444 bushels of wheat. It lies on the east side of Kennebec river, 13 miles E. from Norridgewock and 34 N. from Augusta. Population, 1837, 1,347.
The New England Gazetteer containing descriptions of all the states, counties and towns in New England: also descriptions of the principal mountains, rivers lakes, capes, bays, harbors, islands and fashionable resorts within that territory. By John Hayward, author of the Columbian Traveller, Religious Creeds, &c. &c. Boston: John Hayward. Boyd & White, Concord, N.H. 1839

1854 - Canaan
Canaan, a post-township of Somerset county, Maine, on the E. side of the Kennebeck river, 30 miles N. by E. from Augusta. Population, 1696.
A New and Complete Gazetteer of the United States: Giving a Full and Comprehensive Review of the Present Condition, Industry, and Resources of the American Confederacy ... Thomas Baldwin (of Philadelphia.) Joseph Thomas January 1, 1854 Philadelphia : Lippincott, Grambo & Company 1854.

1886 - Canaan
Canaan lies in the southern part of Somerset County, and is bounded by Clinton, in Kennebec County, on the south. On the west is Skowhegan; north, Hartland; east, Pittsfield; all Somerset towns. Canaan is about 10 miles long, north and south, and 4 wide. Its area is 15,891 acres. The surface is generally rough. The northeastern part is occupied by an extensive bog; the north-western, by pine plains. The chief eminences are Goodwin and Chase hills and Barnes’s Ledge, each about 600 feet in height. Sibley, Long and Round are the principal sheets of water. The first lies across the eastern border, and is two miles long by one wide. Lond Pond lies on the western line, and is one and a half miles long by one wide. The water surface of the town is about 500 acres. The outcropping rock is principally granitic. The soil is a clayey loam, and yields excellent crops of hay and potatoes. The town has four saw-mills manufacturing long and short lumber, and one grist-mill.. Canaan village, on the... Read MORE...

1895 - Canaan
Canaan, a post-village of Somerset co., Me., in Canaan township, about 40 miles W. of Bangor. It has a church and several saw-mills. Pop. of the township, 1472.
Lippincott's Gazetteer of the World: A Complete Pronouncing Gazetteer Or Geographical Dictionary of the World Containing Notices of Over One Hundred and Twenty-five Thousand Places ... Joseph Thomas January 1, 1895 J.B. Lippincott

1916
Canaan, a post-village of Somerset co., Me., in Canaan township (town), 40 miles W. of Bangor. Pop. of the town in 1900, 977.
Lippincotts New Gazetteer: A Complete Pronouncing Gazetteer Or Geographical Dictionary of the World, Containing the Most Recent and Authentic Information Respecting the Countries, Cities, Towns, Resorts, Islands, Rivers, Mountains, Seas, Lakes, Etc., in Every Portion of the Globe, Part 1 Angelo Heilprin Louis Heilprin - January 1, 1916 J.B. Lippincott - Publisher

2023 - Canaan, Maine, may not be the biggest town, but it definitely has its charms and plenty of things to see and do. Here's a mix of local favorites and hidden gems that you might want to check out:
Moxie Falls:
Start your adventure with a visit to Moxie Falls, one of the tallest waterfalls in New England. The hike to the falls is relatively easy, and the view is absolutely breathtaking. It's a great spot for nature lovers and photographers alike.

Lake George Regional Park:
If you're into outdoor activities, head over to Lake George Regional Park. You can enjoy activities like hiking, fishing, and kayaking. The serene lake and surrounding woods provide a perfect setting for a peaceful day out.

Moxie Outdoor Adventures:
For those seeking a bit more excitement, Moxie Outdoor Adventures offers whitewater rafting on the Kennebec River. It's an exhilarating experience and a fantastic way to enjoy the beauty of the Maine wilderness.

Eaton Mountain Ski Area:
If your visit is during the winter months, don't miss the chance to hit the slopes at Eaton Mountain Ski Area. It's a family-friendly ski spot with slopes for all skill levels.

Lakewood Theater:
For a dose of... Read MORE...