History of Auburn, Maine, USA

Auburn was first settled in 1786 as part of Bakerstown

wikipedia.org

1835 - “The factory system of making shoes was originated in Auburn in 1835.”
Brunelle, Jim. Maine Almanac. Augusta: Guy Gannett Publishing Company. 1978.
http://maineanencyclopedia.com/auburn/

1839 - Danville
Danville, Maine
Cumberland county. This town, formerly called Pejepsco, was set off from the westerly part of North Yarmouth, in 1802. Population, 1837, 1,282. It lies 32 miles S.W. from Augusta and 29 N. from Portland. Farming is the principal business of the inhabitants;—they raised, in 1837, 1,218 bushels of wheat.
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

1852 - Auburn annexes land from Poland

http://maineanencyclopedia.com/auburn/

1854 - Auburn
Auburn, a post-township of Cumberland co. Me., on the Androscoggin river and the Androscoggin and Kennebec railroad. Pop. 2840.
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.

1868 - Shoe Business Thriving
The shoe business in Auburn, Me., is said to be now far more lively than it has been at any time for six months. All the manufacturers are busy, and pressing to fill orders by working extra hours.
St Joseph Herald
Saint Joseph, Michigan
April 25, 1868

1870 - Killed by Grapes
A child in Auburn, Me., died, a few days since, from swallowing the stones and skins of grapes.
St Joseph Herald
Saint Joseph, Michigan
October 9, 1870

1873 - Auburn annexes land from Minot

http://maineanencyclopedia.com/auburn/

1878 - Bank Problems
A Lewiston, Maine, telegram says the Auburn Savings Bank has called a meeting of the depositors to decide what action shall be taken regarding the affairs of the institution, unusually heavy drafts having been made upon it.
Harrisburg Telegraph
Harrisburg, Pennsylvania
April 1, 1878

1889 - Auburn
Some cities are remarkable for the enterprise and progressiveness which characterizes their citizens; some for the natural commercial advantages which bring prosperity, and still others for a charming situation in the midst of many beautiful scenes of nature. Auburn is remarkable for all of these. The history of Auburn is of a quiet but suggestive type, marked by the features which have characterized the growth of the best towns and cities of New England. It was originally a part of a large section of the Pejepseot Purchase, which went under the name of Bakerstown and included present Auburn, Minot and Poland. The city as now composed has been a gradual assimilation of territory from other towns in the vicinity. Auburn village, the nucleus of all future growth, was first settled by Joseph Welch, in 1797. He erected a log hut near what is now Golf's Corner, and began to clear the ground. As other settlers came, they built around this clearing as a center. Mr. Doblmeyer put up the... Read MORE...

1895 - Auburn
Auburn, a city and the capital of Androscoggin co., Me, is on the west bank of the Androscoggin River, and on the Maine Central Railroad, 35 miles N. of Portland, and 31 miles S.W. of Augusta. The river, which falls 60 feet near this place, separates Auburn from the city of Lewiston, and the Auburn & Lewiston Railroad connects both places with the Grand Trunk Railway. It has a court-house, 6 churches, 2 national banks, 2 savings-banks, the Auburn High School, 2 newspaper offices, a furniture-factory, a large cotton-mill, a tannery, a foundry, and extensive manufactories of boots and shoes. The capital employed in the shoe business in Auburn is $1,000,000. In 1876, 3,665,700 pairs of boots and shoes, valued at $3,000,000, were manufactured here. Pop, in 1880, 9555; in 1890, 11,250.
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
Auburn, a city and the capital of Androscoggin co., Me., is on the west bank of the Androscoggin River and on the Maine Central R., 34 miles N. of Portland and 31 miles SW. of Augusta. The river, which falls 60 feet near this place, separates Auburn from the city of Lewiston, with which it is connected by railroad. Auburn has a court house and extensive manufactures of boots and shoes, cot ton, and furniture. Pop. in 1890, 11,250 ; in 1900, 12,951.
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

1933 - 1500 HOMELESS AT AUBURN; FLAMES DESTROY 248 BUILDINGS IN MAINE CITY
Auburn, Me., May 16. (AP) - Restoration of a gaping hole in its New Auburn section where 248 buildings including the homes of one-twelfth of the city's population were destroyed by fire yesterday with loss exceeding $1,000,000 was the problem facing this city today. The homeless most of whom were of foreign extraction - workers in the mills of Lewiston, across the Androscoggin River - were estimated by City Manager Frederick Ford to number approximately 1500.

The section of the city thickly covered with tenement buildings was more congested than usual, the city manager said, many families sharing their quarters because of economic conditions. Some of the structures, he said, housed half a hundred families. Most of the victims, possibly three-quarters of the number, Ford estimated, found shelter with relatives and friends in other sections of the city. The others were being cared for by relief agencies.

Four companies of National Guardsmen, serving as civil officers, still... Read MORE...

Whether you're a local looking for new experiences or a visitor exploring the area, there are plenty of places to go and things to do in Auburn. Here's a list to get you started:
Outdoor Activities:

Thorncrag Bird Sanctuary: Explore this beautiful sanctuary with over 357 acres of woods and trails, perfect for hiking and birdwatching.

Mount Apatite Park: Go rockhounding and explore the numerous trails for hiking, mountain biking, and even cross-country skiing in the winter.

Auburn Riverwalk: Stroll along the Androscoggin River on this picturesque walkway, great for a leisurely walk or a peaceful afternoon picnic.

Lost Valley Ski Area: In the winter, hit the slopes for skiing and snowboarding. It's a great spot for beginners and families.

Community Little Theatre: Enjoy outdoor theater performances during the summer months at this community theater.

Museums and Cultural Attractions:

Museum L-A: Learn about the industrial history of Lewiston and Auburn through interactive exhibits and artifacts.

Bates College Museum of Art: Explore contemporary and traditional art exhibitions at this museum located on the Bates College... Read MORE...