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History of Exeter, Maine, USA
Journey back in time to Exeter, Maine, USA
Explore Exeter, Maine, USA! Uncover its rich history and discover the stories of the people who once called it home. Dive into old newspaper articles, vintage pictures, postcards, and genealogy to learn more about this fascinating town.Do You Have Exeter Ancestry? Share YOUR Family Story!

Exeter: Located in Penobscot County, Exeter is a quiet rural town with a strong agricultural heritage. The town is known for its beautiful landscapes and easy access to outdoor activities such as hiking, fishing, and wildlife viewing in the nearby forests.
The township was granted to Marblehead Academy in 1793 and was settled beginning in 1801. The boundaries were surveyed by Ephraim Ballard and Samuel Weston. Dr. John Blaisdell was an early proprietor and developer and the area was known as Blaisdelltown before the town was incorporated. The new name reflected the fact that some settlers had come from Exeter, New Hampshire. maineanencyclopedia.com
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Discover Exeter: History, News, Travel, and Stories

The town of Exeter was incorporated on February 16, 1811. The name "Exeter" was selected in memory of Exeter, New Hampshire, from which some settlers had moved.
wikipedia.org
wikipedia.org
1839 - Exeter
Exeter, Maine
Penobscot county. Exeter is 64 miles N.N.E. from Augusta and 25 S.W. from Bangor. It was incorporated in 1811. Population, 1830, 1,438—1837, 1,920. At the "Four Corners," in the northerly part of the town, is a pleasant village with considerable trade and some mills. The people of Exeter in 1837, with soil not above mediocrity, proved without effort, by raising 12,058 bushels of wheat, that the state of Maine is abundantly able, by means within itself, to supply the whole family of Yankees with bread stuffs, and have some to spare to their western brethren.
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
Exeter, Maine
Penobscot county. Exeter is 64 miles N.N.E. from Augusta and 25 S.W. from Bangor. It was incorporated in 1811. Population, 1830, 1,438—1837, 1,920. At the "Four Corners," in the northerly part of the town, is a pleasant village with considerable trade and some mills. The people of Exeter in 1837, with soil not above mediocrity, proved without effort, by raising 12,058 bushels of wheat, that the state of Maine is abundantly able, by means within itself, to supply the whole family of Yankees with bread stuffs, and have some to spare to their western brethren.
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 - Exeter
Exeter, a post-township of Penobscot county, Maine, 60 miles N. E. from Augusta. Population, 1853.
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.
Exeter, a post-township of Penobscot county, Maine, 60 miles N. E. from Augusta. Population, 1853.
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.
1895 - Exeter
Exeter, a post-hamlet of Penobscot co., Me, about 24 miles N.W. of Bangor. It contains a high school. Exeter township has 3 churches. Pop. of the township, 939.
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
Exeter, a post-hamlet of Penobscot co., Me, about 24 miles N.W. of Bangor. It contains a high school. Exeter township has 3 churches. Pop. of the township, 939.
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 - Exeter
Exeter, a post-township (town) of Penobscot co., Me., about 24 miles NW. of Bangor. Pop. in 1900, 879.
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
Exeter, a post-township (town) of Penobscot co., Me., about 24 miles NW. of Bangor. Pop. in 1900, 879.
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's a list of places to go and things to do in Exeter and its surrounding areas:
Exeter Town Forest: Start your exploration of Exeter by visiting the Exeter Town Forest. This 130-acre forest offers hiking trails, picnic areas, and a serene environment for nature enthusiasts. It's a great place to go for a walk, birdwatch, or simply enjoy the peaceful surroundings.
Fishing and Boating: Exeter is surrounded by numerous lakes and ponds, making it an ideal destination for fishing and boating. Places like Lake Wassookeag and Pleasant Lake are popular spots for angling, kayaking, and canoeing. Don't forget to check the local fishing regulations and obtain any necessary permits.
Hunting: If you're into hunting, Exeter and the surrounding areas offer hunting opportunities during the appropriate seasons. Make sure you have the required licenses and are aware of the local hunting regulations.
Visit the Exeter General Store: The Exeter General Store is a classic small-town store where you can grab snacks, sandwiches, and even local products. It's a great place to... Read MORE...
Exeter Town Forest: Start your exploration of Exeter by visiting the Exeter Town Forest. This 130-acre forest offers hiking trails, picnic areas, and a serene environment for nature enthusiasts. It's a great place to go for a walk, birdwatch, or simply enjoy the peaceful surroundings.
Fishing and Boating: Exeter is surrounded by numerous lakes and ponds, making it an ideal destination for fishing and boating. Places like Lake Wassookeag and Pleasant Lake are popular spots for angling, kayaking, and canoeing. Don't forget to check the local fishing regulations and obtain any necessary permits.
Hunting: If you're into hunting, Exeter and the surrounding areas offer hunting opportunities during the appropriate seasons. Make sure you have the required licenses and are aware of the local hunting regulations.
Visit the Exeter General Store: The Exeter General Store is a classic small-town store where you can grab snacks, sandwiches, and even local products. It's a great place to... Read MORE...
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Ancestors Who Were Born or Died in Exeter, Maine, USA
We currently have information about 11 ancestors who were born or died in Exeter.View Them Now (sorted by year of birth)
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