History of Hallowell, Maine, USA

1839 - Hallowell
Hallowell, Maine
Kennebec county. Hallowell is delightfully situated on both sides of Kennebec river, between Augusta and Gardiner, two miles below the former and four miles above the latter. The principal village is on the W. side of the river. The streets run parallel with the river, and the ground ascends 200 feet from the lower street, or business part of the village. On this street are 60 commodious stores constructed principally of brick. Most of the dwelling houses are on the back or elevated streets: they are built, as are the churches, with great taste, and being surrounded by beautiful groves, make a fine appearance. The varied views of the river, the neighboring towns, and of a fertile country of hills and vales, presented from the high grounds on each side of the village, form an exhibition of scenery of uncommon excellence. Hallowell is about 3 miles in width, and extends back on each side of the river 5 miles. It was incorporated in 1771, and included all the territory... Read MORE...

1854 - Hallowell
Hallowell, a post-village of Kennebec county, Maine, on the right bank of the Kennebec river, and on the Kennebec and Portland railroad, 58 miles N. by E. from Portland. It stands on an acclivity, commanding a fine prospect, and has several fine streets, 2 banks, and 2 newspaper offices. Vessels drawing 9 feet of water come to its wharves. It has considerable shipping, which is chiefly engaged in the coast trade. A fine quality of granite, obtained in the vicinity, is exported in large quantities. Population of the township, 4769.
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
HALLOWELL, a township in Lincoln co., in the state of Maine, U.S., on the W side of the Kennebec river, at the head of the tide-waters, 129 m. N by E from Boston. Pop. 4,654.
A Gazetteer of the World: Or, Dictionary of Geographical Knowledge, Publisher A. Fullarton, 1859

1869 - A resident of Hallowell, Me., died recently, after having been confined to his house over twenty years.
His sickness was caused by painting window blinds in the winter season, using green paint, and keeping them in the room where he worked. He inhaled so much of the poisonous vapor that all efforts to eradicate it from his system were unavailing.
St Joseph Herald
Saint Joseph, Michigan
August 14, 1869

1871 - ANOTHER HORROR! Collision on Maine Central. TWO TRAINS WRECKED. One Man Killed and Several Injured. Engines Smashed, Cars Overturned, &c.
Our Special Reporter on the Train.
(Special Despatch(sic) by Western Union Line.)

GARDINER, June 27. Misfortunes come not singly, but in batialions [sic], it has been said. This seems to be the case in regard to the Maine Central Railroad. While sad the accident at Freeport Monday evening was fresh upon the lips comes an equally shocking disaster near Hallowell. Your reporter was upon the train and he will tell his own story. The train was to leave Augusta at 3 o'clock. It left a little before, according to the watches on the train. We went along in fine style, the train crowded and joyous, until about two miles westward of Hallowell, when turning a sharp curve, with thirty feet almost direct down to the river on one hand, and as much more on the other, came a tremendous crash.

The accommodation train, which runs from Gardiner to Augusta, and which consists of a light "Dummy" engine and one car, supposed they were to pass the heavily laden passenger train from Augusta at... Read MORE...

1886 - Hallowell
Hallowell, in Kennebec County, was incorporated in 1771, and included Augusta, Chelsea and part of Manchester. It was named for Mr. Benjamin Hallowell, who was a large proprietor in the Kennebec Patent. The settlement here was formerly called “The Hook,” the other village in town being Fort Western, now in Augusta. The latter city was set off as the town of Harrington in 1797, and Manchester and Chelsea in 1850. Hallowell was incorporated a city in the latter year, and accepted its charter in 1852.

The city is situated on the western bank of the Kennebec River, at the head of steam navigation, having Augusta for its northern boundary, Chelsea on the east, and separated from it by the Kennebec. Farmingdale bounds it on the south, and Manchester on the west. The streets and terraces of the village on the curving hillside form an amphitheatre about a little harbor made by the broadening of the river. The attractiveness of this picturesque village is further enhanced by old apple... Read MORE...

1886 - Emmaline Prescott, of Hallowell, is one of the characters of Maine.
She is over fifty years old, and for more than twenty-five years has peddled pins and needles, and such small wares, from house to house through the country. She wears the bloomer costume, a full skirt reaching to the knees, with close-fitting trousers. She is modest, gentle and the soul of benevolence. She says that if women knew what a comfort the bloomer was, they'd all wear it. - Boston Journal.
St Joseph Herald
Saint Joseph, Michigan
May 15, 1886

1889 - Hallowell
The irony of history is well illustrated in the fortunes of the twin cities-Hallowell and Augusta. A century ago the former place seemed to have much the better prospects. Including all of the present territory occupied by both cities,. it gave strong evidence of becoming the leading city of the Kennebec valley. But though that part of the original town set of and named Augusta, has had better fortunes than the rest, there is still much of great interest and historical value in the older city of Hallowell. The earliest settlement within the limits of old Halloweib was at Cushnoc, now Augusta. Here the Pilgrims built their block-house in 1629, and here in. 1754 was Fort Western established by the Massachusetts colonists. Around this fort for several miles up and down, and on both sides of the river, the old settlement grew up until it was all incorporated, in 1771, under the name of Hallowell in honor of Benjamin Hallowell of Boston, a leading owner of real estate in the town. What is... Read MORE...

1895 - Hallowell
Hallowell, häl'lo-well or höl']o-well, a city of Kennebec co., Me., on the W. bank of the Kennebec River, 2 miles by rail below Augusta, and 60 miles N.N.E. of Port land. It contains 6 churches, a high school, a public library, 3 national banks, an iron-foundry, machine-shops, a shoe factory, and a manufactory of oil-cloth. Granite is quarried near this place, and exported. Pop. in 1890, 3181.
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
Hallowell, a banking city of Kennebec co., Me., on the W. bank of the Kennebec River, 2 miles below Augusta, on the Maine Central R. It has an iron-foundry, machine- shops, and manufactures of shoes, glue, soap, oil-cloth, sand paper, etc Granite is extensively quarried here. Pop. in 1900, 2714.
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

Here's a list of places to go and things to do in Hallowell:
Water Street: Take a leisurely stroll down Water Street, the heart of Hallowell. You'll find a mix of quaint shops, art galleries, and cafes. It's a great place to soak in the town's atmosphere.

Harlow Gallery: Art enthusiasts should check out the Harlow Gallery, showcasing local and regional artists. The gallery often features exhibitions, events, and workshops.

Vaughan Woods State Park: For a taste of nature, head to Vaughan Woods State Park. The trails wind through beautiful woods, along the banks of the Vaughan Brook. It's an excellent spot for hiking, bird watching, or a peaceful picnic.

The Liberal Cup: This is a popular local pub with a cozy atmosphere. It's known for its craft beers, hearty pub food, and friendly ambiance. A great place to unwind after exploring the town.

Hallowell Antique Mall: If you're a fan of antiques, this mall is a treasure trove. Browse through a wide variety of vintage items, from furniture to collectibles.

Lily Lupine & Fern: A... Read MORE...