History of Bethel, Maine, USA

1796 - Bethel, Maine incorporated
Bethel, one of the oldest villages in western Maine, was incorporated on June 10, 1796 from Sudbury Canada Plantation.
http://maineanencyclopedia.com/bethel/

1839 - Bethel
Bethel, Maine
Oxford county. Incorporated in 1796. Population, 1837, 1,864. Bethel lies 18 miles N.W. from Paris, 61 N.W. from Portland, and 63 W. from Augusta. This town is bounded N. and W. by Androscoggin river, and S. by Greenwood. This is a fine farming town and produced 5,214 bushels of wheat in 1837.
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 - Bethel
Bethel, a post-township of Oxford county, Maine, 45 miles W. by N. from Augusta. Population, 2253.

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 - Bethel
Bethel is situated on both sides of the Androscoggin, a little West of the centre of Oxford County. The Grand Trunk railway also passes through the town, following the course of the river to near the centre, when the road turns away to South Bethel, and thus out of the town on the south side. The greatest length of the town is from north east to the south-west. The area is 25,920 acres. The Androscoggin river enters the western side to near the centre, then turning northward forms the dividing line on the north-east between Bethel and Hanover. Chapman River and Sunday River are the principal tributaries of the Androscoggin on the north, and Mill Stream and Alder Brook on the south, within this town. The surface of the country is undulating and hilly. The principal eminences, beginning at the northwest, are Ellingwood Mountain, then Sparrowhawk Mountain, at an equal distance south of the River; Paradise Hill, near Bethel Hill village (Bethel Post-Office), Walker's Mountain, just north... Read MORE...

1895 - Bethel
Bethel, a post-village and summer resort of Bethel township, Oxford co., Me., on the Androscoggin River, and on the Grand Trunk Railway, 70 miles N.N.W. of Portland. It contains an academy, a savings-bank, several churches, and a superior hotel. It has manufactures of lumber, leather, starch, &c. It is surrounded by fine mountain scenery. The township has 6 churches. Pop. 2286.
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

1906 - Bethel
Bethel, a banking post-village and summer-resort of Bethel township (town), Oxford co., Me., on the Adroscoggin River and on the Grand Trunk R., 70 miles NNW. of Portland. It has manufactures of lumber, charis, etc. It is surrounded by fine mountain scenery, and there are mineral springs in the region. Pop. of the village, about 800; of the town in 1900, 1835.
Lippincott's New Gazetteer: A Complete Pronouncing Gazetteer Or Geographical Dictionary of the World, Containing the Most Recent and Authentic Information Respecting the Countries, Cities, Towns ... in Every Portion of the Globe Publisher J.B. Lippincott Company, 1906

Here are some places to visit and things to do in the Bethel area:
1. Sunday River Ski Resort: If you're visiting Bethel during the winter months, Sunday River Ski Resort is a top-notch destination for skiing and snowboarding. With eight interconnected peaks, it offers a variety of terrain for all skill levels. The resort also hosts events and activities throughout the year, so be sure to check their calendar for any special happenings.

2. Grafton Notch State Park: This stunning state park is located just a short drive from Bethel and offers an array of outdoor activities. Hiking is a popular choice here, with trails like the Table Rock Loop and Old Speck Mountain Trail providing breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and waterfalls. In the fall, the foliage is absolutely stunning.

3. Bethel Outdoor Adventure & Campground: If you're an adventure enthusiast, this place has you covered. They offer activities like kayaking, canoeing, paddleboarding, and even guided fishing trips on the Androscoggin River. Plus, they have a campground... Read MORE...