Water Street, Hallowell, ca. 1890
Item Contributed by
Hubbard Free Library
Nowhere in Maine is so much history and life packed into such a small, accessible and inviting environment.
The history of Hallowell is one that is linked to the earliest settlement of America, and began in what might seem like the most unlikely of places -- a wilderness area well inland on the Kennebec River. The people who came here to begin a new life determined to make it more than a place to live -- their dream was to build a commercial and cultural center that would be second to none in the state.
The qualities settlers brought -- a spirit of enterprise, a respect for education and a recognition of the importance of living by example -- were the foundations of the special quality of life that exists in Hallowell. Remarkable people made Hallowell what it is today. Their stories are part of Hallowell’s rich history. Through this website you can learn about the challenges they faced. Explore the enterprises that fueled the economy and the trades that helped pay the way. Open the doors of their homes and the secrets of their health. Then learn about how you can share the adventure as we continue to explore Historic Hallowell.