History of China, Maine, USA

1839 - China
China, Maine
Kennebec county. This is a township of excellent land which produced, in 1837, 12,953 bushels of wheat. China is watered by a lake, or "Twelve Mile Pond," a fine miniature of the beautiful Skaneateles, in the state of New York. At the outlet of this pond, into the Kennebec, are excellent mill privileges. On the bank of the pond is a very flourishing village, a steam saw-mill, and an academy. A visit to this place, Albion, Clinton, Dixmont, and the neighboring towns, where wheat is worth a dollar and a half a bushel in the barn, is a good specific against the western fever. A trip from Boston to China and back again may be performed in the same number of hours that it takes to go up either of the canals 100 miles, towards an unseen country. China lies 20 miles N.E. from Augusta, 48 S.W. from Bangor, and 138 from Boston. Population, 1837, 2,641.
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 - China
China, a beautiful post-village of Kennebec county, Maine, on the S. side of a small lake, 20 miles N. E. from Augusta ; contains a bank. Population, 2765.
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.

1859
CHINA, a township of Kennebec co., in the state of Maine, U.S., 21 m. NE of Augusta, watered by a small lake which discharges itself into a branch of the Kennebec. Pop. in 1840, 2,675. The village is pleasantly situated on the lake.
A Gazetteer of the World: Or, Dictionary of Geographical Knowledge, Publisher A. Fullarton, 1859

1886 - China
China is situated in the eastern part of Kennebec County, on the western branch of the Sheepscot River. It is bounded by Winslow and Albion on the north, Vassalboro on the west, Windsor on the south, and Palermo, in Waldo County, on the east. It touches Augusta at the south-western angle. Stage-lines from Vassalboro to Bangor and Belfast to Waterville run through the town. China was a part of the Plymouth Patent, and was survayed in 1774 by John Jones sometimes called "Black Jones," from the darkness of his complexion. He was not of the present Jones family in the town. The first settlers were a large family named Clark, who came from Nantucket. They were members of the Society of Friends. Mrs. Clark, whose maiden was Folger, is said to have been a sister of Benjamin Franklin's mother. The Clarks, on one of their fishing excursions in the fall of 1773, ascended the Kennebec as far as Gardiner, where they fell in with surveyor Jones, and the next year removed to the new plantation. The ... Read MORE...

1895 - China
China, a post-village of China township, Kennebec co., Me., is on a lake of the same name, about 20 miles N.E. of Augusta. It has an academy and several churches. The township has 9 churches; also manufactures of cheese, carriages, boots, shoes, ploughs, &c. The soil is fertile. Pop. of the township, 2118.
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
China, a post-village of China township (town), Kennebec co., Me., is on a lake of the same name and on the Wiscasset and Quebec R., 18 miles NE. of Augusta. The town has various manufactures. Pop. of the town in 1900, 1380.
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

Whether you're a resident or just passing through, here are some of the best places to go and things to do in China, Maine:
China Lake: Perhaps the most famous feature of China, Maine is China Lake. This large, clear lake spans over 3,800 acres and offers a range of recreational activities. Fishing is popular here, with anglers coming to catch bass, trout, and other species. In the summer, you can also enjoy swimming, kayaking, and boating on the lake.

China Four Seasons Club: This club is dedicated to outdoor recreation in China, Maine. They maintain a network of trails for activities like snowmobiling, cross-country skiing, and ATV riding. If you're an outdoor enthusiast, this is the place to go.

Hiking: While China itself may not have towering mountains, it's surrounded by beautiful natural landscapes. Nearby places like the Kennebec Highlands and Branch Pond Preserve offer excellent hiking trails. You can explore lush forests, serene ponds, and scenic overlooks.

Maine Lakeside Cabins: If you're looking for a relaxing getaway, consider staying at Maine Lakeside Cabins on China Lake. They offer... Read MORE...