Houlton
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Welcome to Houlton, Maine, a charming town located in Aroostook County near the Canadian border. Known for its rich history, friendly community, and beautiful natural surroundings, Houlton offers a peaceful atmosphere. Houlton is a wonderful place to experience the warmth and character of northern Maine.
Houlton is a town in Aroostook County, Maine, that serves as the county seat. For travelers planning a visit, this guide covers local community details, economy, landmarks, recreation, and public services across Houlton Maine.
Community Profile
According to the 2020 U.S. Census, the population of Houlton was 6,055 residents, showing a decline of 68 residents from the 6,123 counted in the 2010 census. Census data lists 2,596 households in the town, with an average of 2.19 persons per household. The median age in Houlton is 45.4 years. The federally recognized Houlton Band of Maliseet Indians (Wolastoqiyik), who gained federal recognition in 1980, traditionally call the Meduxnekeag River basin home and maintain ancestral ties along the U.S.–Canada border.
Local Economy
Houlton serves as a border logistics hub at the northern terminus of Interstate 95 on the U.S.–Canada border across from Woodstock, New Brunswick, featuring the Houlton Port of Entry with expedited 'FAST' lane access. Agriculture and tourism are major employment and economic sectors. The municipally owned Houlton Water Company supplies local electricity rates that are among the lowest in New England, lowering operating overhead for local facilities. Major employers in the area include Houlton Regional Hospital, which provides 24-hour emergency care and inpatient services, Louisiana-Pacific, and manufacturing companies located at the Houlton International Airport Industrial Park, notably Smith & Wesson. Houlton also functions as an area financial hub, hosting institutions such as The County Federal Credit Union and Machias Savings Bank.
Local Government
Houlton operates under a Town Council and Town Manager form of government with a seven-member Town Council. Edward Lake serves as Chair of the Town Council, and Susan Tortello serves as Secretary. Cameron Clark is the Interim Town Manager, and Khylee Wampler is the Town Clerk and Public Access Officer. The Houlton Town Office is located at 21 Water Street, open Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., and can be reached by phone at (207) 532-7111.
Education
Public education is administered by Regional School Unit No. 29 (RSU 29 / MSAD 29), serving Houlton, Hammond, Littleton, and Monticello. District schools include Houlton Elementary School, Houlton Southside School, Houlton Middle/High School, and Summit Academy. High school students from Houlton, Hodgdon, and Katahdin can take career and technical education programs at the Region Two School of Applied Technology. For continuing studies, the Houlton Higher Education Center on Military Street facilitates courses and degree programs from University of Maine System campuses, including UMPI and UMA. Northern Maine Community College (NMCC) also offers select courses through partnership programming at the facility. Adult education and workforce training are provided on Military Street through RSU 29 and MSAD 70 Adult Education.
Landmarks and Architecture
Houlton features several notable local properties and historic sites:
- Market Square Historic District: Comprises 28 architecturally significant structures dating largely from 1885 to 1910.
- Cary Library: Located at 107 Main Street, this library was designed by Portland architect John Calvin Stevens, built with a $10,000 grant from Andrew Carnegie, and opened in 1904.
- Aroostook County Historical and Art Museum: Founded in 1937 by Ransford W. Shaw, the museum is located in the 1903 White Memorial Building at 109 Main Street.
- Civil War Monument: Situated in Monument Park at 54 Military Street, this granite monument was sculpted by Houlton Granite and Marble Works and dedicated on May 31, 1909.
- The Elms: Also known as the George W. Richards House and Boardman J. Stevens House, located at 59 Court Street.
Parks and Outdoor Recreation
Recreational facilities and trails across Houlton include:
- Riverfront Park: Features a sheltered picnic area, accessible restrooms, and a 17,000-pound bronze moose statue near the trailhead.
- Gateway Crossing Footbridge: A pedestrian bridge over the Meduxnekeag River connecting Riverfront Park with downtown Market Square.
- Meduxnekeag River Trail: A 4.6-mile non-motorized trail that runs from Riverfront Park along the river through fields and forests for walking, bicycling, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing.
- Community Park: Located at 34 Randall Avenue, featuring ball fields, tennis courts, and a skate park.
- John A. Millar Civic Center: Located at 94 Randall Avenue, housing an indoor ice rink, activity room, and event spaces.
- Monument Park: An open municipal park at 54 Military Street that includes an outdoor amphitheater.
- Southern Bangor and Aroostook Trail: A multi-use former rail bed with its southern terminus in Houlton, open to ATVs, snowmobiling, biking, and walking across Aroostook County.
Annual Events
Community events held in Houlton throughout the year include:
- Meduxnekeag River Canoe and Kayak Race: An annual spring 9.5-mile paddling event running from New Limerick down the river to Riverfront Park in Houlton.
- Black Fly Brewfest: Held at the Millar Civic Center in mid-May, presenting regional Maine craft breweries and wineries.
- Houlton Agricultural Fair: Held over the Fourth of July weekend with carnival rides, games, contests, and livestock exhibits.
- Midnight Madness: A Fourth of July weekend street fair in Historic Market Square featuring food, live music, and local vendors.
- Rotary International Food Festival: Organized by the Houlton Rotary Club, offering cultural storytelling, international performances, and free food tastings.
- Potato Feast Days: A late-summer harvest festival celebrating Aroostook County's farming traditions with a baked potato bar, lobster feast, parade, and artisan crafts.
- Houlton Harvest Festival: An autumn event in Market Square celebrating local farmers and the Houlton Community Market with crafts, games, and food.
- Holiday Light Parade: Held in Market Square on the Saturday after Thanksgiving, featuring lighted floats and Santa Claus.
History of Houlton
Houlton was first settled in 1807, back when the territory was still part of Massachusetts, by Aaron Putnam and Joseph Houlton, the man after whom our town was named. Years later, in 1828, the United States Army established Hancock Barracks here during border disputes between the United States and Great Britain. To move troops and supplies out to this frontier post, a military road linking Mattawamkeag and Houlton was completed by 1831, and that same year, on March 8, 1831, the town of Houlton was officially incorporated.
Growth followed close behind, and after Aroostook County was created in 1839, Houlton was established as the county seat. Community life continued to build from there, leading to the founding of Cary Library by Dr. George Cary, which was constructed in 1904 thanks to funding from his estate along with an Andrew Carnegie grant.
See the history facts and their sources in Quick facts below.
Quick facts
·
Population
- 2010 Census Population
- The 2010 Decennial Census counted 6,123 residents in the town of Houlton.[1]
- 2020 Census Population
- According to the 2020 U.S. Census, the population of Houlton town was 6,055.[1]
- 2020 Census Population
- According to the 2020 Decennial Census, the population of Houlton town was 6,055.[1]
- Median Age
- Based on American Community Survey 5-year estimates, the median age in Houlton town was 45.4 years.[2]
- Number of Households
- The U.S. Census Bureau reported 2,596 households in Houlton town.[1]
- Persons Per Household
- The average number of persons per household in Houlton town was 2.19.[1]
- Population Change (2010 to 2020)
- Houlton's population declined by 68 residents between the 2010 census (6,123) and the 2020 census (6,055).[1]
History (8)
- Designation as County Seat
- Houlton was established as the county seat of Aroostook County following the county's creation in 1839.[3]
- Early Settlers
- Houlton was settled by Aaron Putnam and Joseph Houlton, after whom the town is named.[4]
- Establishment of Hancock Barracks
- In 1828, the United States Army established Hancock Barracks in Houlton during border disputes between the United States and Great Britain.[5]
- Founding of Cary Library
- Cary Library in Houlton was founded by Dr. George Cary and constructed in 1904 with funding from his estate and an Andrew Carnegie grant.[6]
- Incorporation
- The town of Houlton was incorporated on March 8, 1831.[7]
- Incorporation Date
- The town of Houlton was officially incorporated on March 8, 1831.[8]
- Military Road Completion
- A military road linking Mattawamkeag and Houlton was completed by 1831 to move troops and supplies to the frontier post.[5]
- Settlement Year
- Houlton was settled in 1807 when the territory was still part of Massachusetts.[4]
Government (9)
- County Seat
- Houlton serves as the county seat of Aroostook County, Maine.[7]
- Form of Government
- Houlton operates under a Town Council/Town Manager form of government with a seven-member Town Council.[9]
- Interim Town Manager
- Cameron Clark serves as Interim Town Manager.[10]
- Town Clerk
- Khylee Wampler serves as Town Clerk and Public Access Officer.[11]
- Town Council Chair
- Edward Lake serves as Chair of the Town Council.[9]
- Town Council Secretary
- Susan Tortello serves as Secretary of the Town Council.[9]
- Town Office Address
- The Houlton Town Office is located at 21 Water Street, Houlton, Maine 04730.[11]
- Town Office Hours
- Town Office hours of operation are Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.[11]
- Town Office Phone Number
- The Town Office telephone number is (207) 532-7111.[11]
Schools (6)
- Adult Education
- Adult education and workforce training programs are delivered locally through RSU 29 and MSAD 70 Adult Education, located on Military Street in Houlton.[12]
- Career and Technical Center
- Region Two School of Applied Technology in Houlton provides career and technical education (CTE) programs to high school students from surrounding areas including Houlton, Hodgdon, and Katahdin.[13]
- Community College Access
- Northern Maine Community College (NMCC) offers select courses in Houlton through partnership programming at the higher education center facility.[14]
- District Schools
- Schools operating under RSU 29 include Houlton Elementary School, Houlton Southside School, Houlton Middle/High School, and Summit Academy.[15]
- Higher Education Outreach
- The Houlton Higher Education Center, located on Military Street, serves as an outreach location facilitating degree programs and courses from University of Maine System campuses including UMPI and UMA.[16]
- School District
- Public education in Houlton is administered by Regional School Unit No. 29 (RSU 29 / MSAD 29), which serves the communities of Hammond, Houlton, Littleton, and Monticello.[17]
Economy (6)
- Border Logistics Hub
- Located at the northern terminus of Interstate 95 on the U.S.–Canada border across from Woodstock, New Brunswick, the Houlton Port of Entry serves as a critical commercial shipping gateway with expedited 'FAST' lane access.[18]
- Financial Services Presence
- Houlton serves as an area hub for regional banking and credit institutions, hosting facilities for institutions including The County Federal Credit Union and Machias Savings Bank.[19]
- Healthcare Anchor Facility
- Houlton Regional Hospital operates as a central healthcare anchor and employer for the southern Aroostook area, featuring 24-hour emergency care and inpatient services.[20]
- Key Economic Sectors
- Agriculture and tourism serve as major regional employment and economic sectors for Houlton.[21]
- Major Employers and Industrial Park
- Major employers in the Houlton area include Houlton Regional Hospital, Louisiana-Pacific, and manufacturing companies based at the Houlton International Airport Industrial Park, notably Smith & Wesson.[21]
- Municipal Utility Advantage
- The municipally owned Houlton Water Company supplies local electricity rates that are among the lowest in New England, lowering operating overhead for local commercial and manufacturing facilities.[22]
Landmarks (4)
- Aroostook County Historical and Art Museum
- The museum was founded in 1937 by Ransford W. Shaw and is housed in the historic White Memorial Building at 109 Main Street.[23]
- Houlton Civil War Monument
- The Civil War Soldier monument in Monument Park was sculpted from granite by Houlton Granite and Marble Works and dedicated on May 31, 1909.[24]
- Market Square Historic District
- The Market Square Historic District comprises 28 architecturally significant structures dating largely from 1885 to 1910.[25]
- The Elms (George W. Richards House)
- The Elms, also known as the Boardman J. Stevens House and the George W. Richards House, is a historic property located at 59 Court Street in Houlton.[26]
Recreation (8)
- Community Park Facilities
- Houlton's municipal Community Park at 34 Randall Avenue includes ball fields, tennis courts, and a skate park.[27]
- Gateway Crossing Footbridge
- The Gateway Crossing pedestrian footbridge spans the Meduxnekeag River, connecting Riverfront Park to Houlton's downtown Market Square.[28]
- John A. Millar Civic Center
- The John A. Millar Civic Center, located at 94 Randall Avenue in Houlton, features an indoor ice rink, activity room, and community event facilities.[27]
- Meduxnekeag River Canoe Race
- The Meduxnekeag River Canoe and Kayak Race is an annual 9.5-mile paddling event that starts in New Limerick and finishes at Riverfront Park in Houlton.[29]
- Meduxnekeag River Trail
- The Meduxnekeag River Trail is a 4.6-mile non-motorized trail network running parallel to the Meduxnekeag River from Riverfront Park through forests and fields, accommodating walking, bicycling, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing.[30]
- Monument Park
- Monument Park is an open municipal park situated at 54 Military Street in Houlton that includes an outdoor amphitheater.[27]
- Riverfront Park
- Riverfront Park features a sheltered picnic area, accessible restrooms, and a 17,000-pound bronze moose statue near the trailhead.[30]
- Southern Bangor and Aroostook Trail
- Houlton serves as the southern terminus of the multi-use Southern Bangor & Aroostook Trail, a former rail bed open to motorized ATV riding, snowmobiling, biking, and walking across Aroostook County.[31]
Events (8)
- Black Fly Brewfest
- Held at the Millar Civic Center in Houlton in mid-May, the Black Fly Brewfest is an annual weekend event hosting regional Maine craft breweries and wineries.[32]
- Holiday Light Parade
- Houlton's Holiday Light Parade is an annual holiday event held in Market Square on the Saturday following Thanksgiving, featuring lighted floats and an appearance by Santa Claus.[32]
- Houlton Agricultural Fair
- Held over the Fourth of July weekend, the Houlton Agricultural Fair features carnival rides, livestock exhibits, games, contests, and agricultural entertainment.[32]
- Houlton Harvest Festival
- The Harvest Festival is an annual autumn event held in Market Square celebrating local farmers and the Houlton Community Market with games, crafts, and food.[33]
- Houlton Potato Feast Days
- Potato Feast Days is an annual late-summer harvest festival celebrating Aroostook County's farming heritage with a baked potato bar, lobster feast, parade, and artisan crafts.[34]
- Meduxnekeag River Canoe Race
- The annual Meduxnekeag River Canoe Race is a spring paddling event where participants race 9.5 miles from New Limerick down the river to Riverfront Park in Houlton.[32]
- Midnight Madness
- Midnight Madness is an annual Fourth of July weekend downtown street fair held in Houlton's Historic Market Square, featuring live music, food, and local vendors.[35]
- Rotary International Food Festival
- Organized by the Houlton Rotary Club, the annual International Food Festival features cultural storytelling, international performances, and free tastings of global cuisines.[36]
Culture (7)
- Aroostook County Historical and Art Museum
- Founded in 1937 by Ransford W. Shaw, the Aroostook County Historical and Art Museum is housed in the historic 1903 White Memorial Building at 109 Main Street.[37]
- Cary Library Architecture and History
- The Cary Library at 107 Main Street was designed by Portland architect John Calvin Stevens, constructed with the assistance of a $10,000 grant from Andrew Carnegie, and opened in 1904.[38]
- Houlton Band of Maliseet Indians
- The federally recognized Houlton Band of Maliseet Indians (Wolastoqiyik), who traditionally call the Meduxnekeag River basin home, gained federal recognition in 1980 and maintain ancestral ties along the U.S.–Canada border.[39]
- Houlton Potato Feast Days
- Potato Feast Days is a multiday annual community festival celebrating Southern Aroostook's regional agricultural heritage and potato farming tradition.[40]
- Market Square Historic District
- Downtown Houlton's Market Square is designated as a National Historic District, known for its concentration of brick commercial buildings dating back to the turn of the 20th century.[41]
- Midnight Madness Festival Tradition
- Midnight Madness is an annual downtown street fair tradition that fills historic Market Square with live music, artisan crafts, retail activities, and fireworks over Riverfront Park.[42]
- Temple Cinema Cultural Heritage
- Temple Cinema, located in Houlton's Market Square, opened in 1919 and is one of the oldest continuously operating movie theaters in Maine.[29]
Transportation (5)
- Interstate 95 Northern Terminus
- Interstate 95 runs through Houlton to the Canadian border, serving as the northern terminus of the highway in the United States.[43]
- Municipal Airport Ownership and Facilities
- Houlton International Airport is a town-owned general aviation airport covering 1,615 acres with two runways.[44]
- Proximity to Canadian Border and Major Centers
- Houlton is situated one mile from the Canadian border and lies within driving distance of larger regional centers such as Presque Isle, Caribou, and Millinocket.[18]
- Public Transit Provider
- Aroostook Regional Transportation System (ARTS) provides demand-response and scheduled regional public transit service connecting Houlton with other communities in Aroostook County.[45]
- U.S. Route 2 Eastern Terminus
- The eastern terminus of U.S. Route 2 is located in Houlton near the United States-Canada international boundary.[46]
Services (7)
- Fire and Ambulance Department Location
- The Houlton Fire/Ambulance Department is stationed at 99 Military Street in Houlton.[47]
- Library Historic Building
- The Cary Library building was designed by architect John Calvin Stevens and opened on October 12, 1904.[48]
- Police Department Location
- The Houlton Police Department is located at 97 Military Street in Houlton.[49]
- Public Library Location
- The Cary Library, serving as Houlton's public library, is located at 107 Main Street.[50]
- Public Works Department Location
- The Houlton Public Works Department operates from 173 Bangor Street.[51]
- Public Works Infrastructure Responsibilities
- The Houlton Public Works Department maintains approximately 74 miles of streets and 16 miles of sidewalks throughout the town.[51]
- Regional Hospital Location
- Houlton Regional Hospital is located at 20 Hartford Street in Houlton.[52]
Geography (8)
- Bordering bodies of water
- The Meduxnekeag River runs directly through Houlton, where the town maintains the Meduxnekeag River Trail along its corridor.[53]
- Bordering international community
- Houlton borders Woodstock in the Canadian province of New Brunswick to the east via Interstate 95.[54]
- County seat status
- Houlton serves as the county seat of Aroostook County, Maine.[4]
- Elevation
- The elevation of Houlton is recorded as 390 feet.[55]
- Land area
- According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the town of Houlton has a land area of 36.71 square miles.[56]
- Location within Aroostook County
- Houlton serves as the regional service center for southern Aroostook County, positioned along the United States–Canada border at the northern terminus of Interstate 95.[54]
- Total Area
- According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the town of Houlton encompasses a total area of 36.73 square miles, of which 36.71 square miles is land.[8]
- ZIP Codes
- Houlton is served by ZIP codes 04730 and 04761.[8]
Businesses in Houlton
Map of Houlton
Nearby communities
All communities in The County
St. John Valley
Central Aroostook
Southern Aroostook
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