History of Pittsfield, Maine, USA

1795 - Moses Martin
The first permanent settler, Moses Martin, established a home in Pittsfield in 1795 just a mile down river from the present Edwards Plant. He brought with him, from the older settlement at Norridgewock, his wife, Anna Parker, two boys, and two girls. He was a skilled woodsman, hunter, trapper, and fisher and was well liked by the Indians "for he was superior to them where they excelled most."

Other settlers began to arrive in 1800, mostly from other parts of Maine such as Norridgewock, Fairfield, Vassalboro, etc. A small mill was built where the Edwards plant is now located. At that time, Pittsfield was called Plymouth Gore. It became Sebasticook Plantation in 1816, and it was incorporated as the town of Warsaw in 1819. The first town meeting was at the home of John Webb on the Snake Root Road. Maine was almost ready to separate from Massachusetts and become the State of Maine.

The town was responsible for roads and bridges and five school districts. In 1824, the name of the... Read MORE...

1839 - Pittsfield
Pittsfield, Maine
Somerset county. This is a town of excellent soil, and a branch of Sebasticook river rises in the S.E. corner. The inhabitants are generally good and thriving farmers. Pittsfield was incorporated in 1819. Wheat crop, 1837, 4,869 bushels. Population, 1830, 609; 1837, 836. It lies 38 miles N.N.E. from Augusta and 20 E. from Norridgewock.
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 - Pittsfield
Pittsfield, a post-township of Somerset co., Maine, about 35 miles N. E. by N. from Augusta. Population, 1106.
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 - Pittsfield
Pittsfield lies in the south-eastern part of Somerset County, 20 miles east of Skowhegan. The Maine Central Railroad passes through the south-eastern part, having a station at East Pittsfield. From the form of this town, it appears to have been what was left after all the towns about it had taken what land they wanted. Yet it has a productive soil of sandy loam, though in a few places. Along the Sebasticook, which runs southward through the eastern part of the town, there are many granite boulders. The surface in general is very level, but lies principally on a large swell inclining to the east and west.

The town is well wooded with all the trees common in the region except pine. The farmers have given much attention to fruit-growing, and consequently there are many fine apple orchards. Sibley Pond lies on the western border of the town at the north. The streams are small except the Sebasticook, on which at East Pittsfield are the principal manufactories. There are here a saw-mill ... Read MORE...

1895 - Pittsfield
Pittsfield, a post-village in Pittsfield township, Somerset co., Me., on the Sebasticook River, and on the Maine Central Railroad, 41 miles N.N.E. of Augusta, and 34 miles W. of Banger. It contains 2 churches, the Maine Central Institute, a newspaper office, a woollen-mill, a flour-mill, and a saw-mill. Pop. of the township, 2503.
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
Pittsfield, a banking post-village in Pittsfield township (town), Somerset co., Me., on the Sebasticook River and on the Maine Central and Sebasticook and Moosehead Rs., 34 miles W. of Bangor. It contains the Maine Central Institute, woollen and flour-mills, corn-canning establishments, etc. Pop. of the town in 1900, 2891; of the village 2208.
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

1906 - JEROME IN TRAIN WRECK ON MAINE RAILROAD. Escapes with R. Fulton Cutting, Judge Crane, and W. G. Hooke. MAN KILLED, THREE HURT.
Knickerbocker Limited, Bound for Bar Harbor, In Collision with Runaway Freight Car.

PITTSFIELD, Ma., Aug. 25. - One man was killed and three others slightly injured to-day in a collision between a runaway freight car and the Knickerbocker Limited, bound from New York to Bar Harbor, on the Maine Central Railroad. The victim was Louis A. Gilbert of Bangor, a traveling engineer employed by the road. The injured men were train hands.

A number of prominent New York people were passengers on the express, among them being District Attorney William T. Jerome, R. Fulton Cutting, Walter G. Hooke, and Judge Frederick E. Crane of Brooklyn. These, with many other passengers, were badly shaken up, but none was injured.

The Limited, which is the fastest express on the Maine Central Road, was running at a high rate of speed to make up a delay of an hour and a half. When about a mile west of this city a loaded freight car, running wild on a down grade, crashed into the express head on,... Read MORE...

Here are some things to see and do in and around Pittsfield:
Pittsfield Public Library:

Start your visit with a quiet stroll through the Pittsfield Public Library. It's not just about books; the library often hosts community events and has a cozy atmosphere.

Pittsfield Historical Society:

If you're into history, don't miss the Pittsfield Historical Society. It's a treasure trove of local stories, artifacts, and exhibits that will give you a glimpse into the town's past.

Manson Park:

Enjoy the outdoors at Manson Park. It's a lovely spot for a picnic, a leisurely walk, or just some quiet time in nature. The park often hosts events and concerts during the warmer months.

Pittsfield Community Theatre:

Check out what's playing at the Pittsfield Community Theatre. It's a classic movie house that adds a touch of nostalgia to your entertainment experience.

Explore Downtown Pittsfield:

Take a walk through downtown Pittsfield. You'll find local shops, cafes, and maybe stumble upon some unique finds. It's a great way to soak in... Read MORE...