Oakland, Maine is said by residents to be the gateway to the Belgrade Lakes Region. The town of Oakland, population 5,959 (Census 2000), is located in northern Kennebec County, four miles (6 km) west of Waterville and approximately eighteen miles (29 km) north of Augusta, the state capital. The town boasts four major waterways: McGrath Pond, Salmon Lake, East Pond, and Messalonskee Lake and Stream. These waterways have played a major role in the history of the town. The roughly 26 square miles (67 km sq.) that comprise Oakland were first settled by colonists of English descent who came from Massachusetts and New Hampshire in the latter half of the 1700s. At that time the area was known as Taconnet, which is derived from one of the four tribes of Native Americans who first occupied this region. The area was incorporated as Winslow in 1771. In 1872, the area west of the Kennebec effected a peaceful secession and incorporated as Waterville. In 1873, the manufacturers in the western section, who had created a separate center of activity and trade and were unhappy about taxation, incorporated as West Waterville. In 1883, the residents voted to rename their town Oakland. Manufacturers long have been drawn to Oakland because of the water power provided by Messalonskee Stream. Oakland once was known as the axe and scythe producing capital of New England. With changing technology, newer industries such as the Cascade Woolen Mill replaced the agricultural equipment industry. In recent times, Oakland has witnessed another change in its industrial base. Older industries have closed, making way for new companies such as Valley Distributors, Industrial Metal Recycling, and Wrabacon, Inc. Oakland lies within easy commuting distance to jobs and services in the Waterville and Augusta region. The completion of I-95 in the 1960s increased Oakland's relationship with the Augusta area, and to some extent the Greater Portland and Bangor areas. The Kennebec Regional Development Authority, a consortium of 24 towns in the Kennebes county area, is currently developing a high technology center next to Interstate 95 in Oakland with the help of state and federal funds. First Park is expected to become Maine's premier technology and business park. (Bulk of text taken from the Oakland, Maine website The above article in gray is licensed under the GNU Free Documentation License It is from Wikipedia article Oakland, Maine   New! Hometown USA Photo Sharing Photo Galleries These photo galleries are available for you to share, view and post pictures such as: Pictures depicting what life is like in your hometown> Photos of scenes or scenery in your hometown Pictures that you want to share with your friends and family Commercial photos - real estate, store fronts, etc. Birthdays, Anniversaries, Vacation photos to share School academic and sporting event photos Deployed military personal photos to share with friends and family back home. Much more...

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