Town of Hampden, Maine
Source: Town of Hampden, Maine Facebook Page
Hampden Academy
Hampden, Maine sits on the mouth of the Penobscot River just south of Bangor with a population of around 7,300 people. It’s a sparse residential town with lots of historical significance. Dorothea Dix was born here in 1802 and was widely known for her advocacy for people with mental illnesses and their treatment. The Dorothea Dix Psychiatric Center exists in Bangor today, named in honor of her work. Hampden was also the site of the Battle of Hampden, where US Naval Captain Charles Morris blew up his own side’s ship, the USS Adams, to prevent its capture by the oncoming British army during the War of 1812.
A Tour Through History
For a physical experience of Hampden history, visit Cole Land Transportation Center. This cool museum displays around 200 old transportation vehicles that Maine transportation drivers used in the 1800s and 1900s, including tractors, motorcycles, and railroad cars. Then, stop by Hampden Historical Society to view and tour four of the town’s old historical buildings on site. You can also join the organization’s membership. Their goal is to preserve the town’s history, through meetings and educating other people, as well as by operating the building. Stop by one of their monthly seasonal meetings at Kinsley House on the site to learn about some in-depth Hampden history from the mouths of true locals. Their website says guests are always welcome to stop in!
Exploring Hampden Maine
In Hampden, you’ll find everything you need just a few miles away from each other. Hampden’s downtown area is compact with most of the businesses found all along the same main stretch of Western Ave. All in the same intersection downtown on Route 202 is Hannaford, the post office and town office, Maine Savings Bank, Walgreen’s, and St. Matthew’s Catholic Church. Just past that is a variety of quick places to grab a bite to eat: Dunkin’, Subway, Coffee Break Cafe, Pizza Gourmet, and Fresh Ginger Fusion. Other services along the way are Hampden Hardware, NAPA Auto Parts, Bangor Savings Bank, Bar Harbor Bank and Trust, Zach’s Barber Shop, Morrell Tax, and more.
The Ease of Living in Hampden
Parents will love that Hampden’s schools are conveniently all located next to each other within a walkable distance. There’s Hampden Academy, Earl C. McGraw School, George B. Weatherbee School, and Reed Brooks Middle School, all accessible through the same back road. These schools are also just off the Route 202 intersection, so they’re also close to other necessary stops you might have to make when bringing your kid to and from school.
If you dream of owning several acres of land with no neighbors, Hampden is the place to do it. Much of the town is covered in woods. There’s tons of land available to build your own house on. In Hampden, you can easily buy enough land to build your family a farm or greenhouse garden in your own backyard. Of course, there are small lots and houses for sale too.
In 2019, Hampden was rated the second safest town in Maine by SafeWise, a site that compiles and compares crime statistics in different towns and cities. This, along with the many other positive attributes of Hampden, is what makes it a great place to live, and an especially great place to raise a family.
Source: Reeds Brook Recreational Trail Project Facebook Page
Reeds Brook Recreational Trail
Physical Fun
Hampden has lots of fun physical activities and places to go that center around sports and the outdoors. Go for a 9-hole round of golf at Hampden Country Club, which is open to the public for an affordable rate. Try taking a scenic walk on Reed Brooks Trails behind the Reed Brooks Middle School. Or visit one of Hampden’s parks for some freestyle outdoor recreation. Visit Paper Mill Recreation Area for walking or fishing in the Souadabscook Stream. Dorothea Dix Park is great for small get-togethers, with an available grill, picnic tables, outhouses, and a little jungle gym for kids. Don’t forget the charcoal!
For some indoor physical fun at any point in the year, check out Lura Hoit Memorial Pool, an indoor public pool that anyone can use. The pool is expansive and heated. They also offer swimming lessons for kids. Skehan Recreation Center is another great place to go for sports activities. They offer different kinds of lessons to people of all ages with programs like line dancing, pickleball, and basketball. You can also watch some youth basketball games. Armstrong Tennis Center is another great place in Hampden where you can play both tennis and pickleball on your own private, reserved court. They have private lessons and group clinics where you can improve your tennis serve. You can go to Armstrong twice for an hourly rate before you have to become a member there and pay for both membership and hourly rental rates.
Overall, Hampden is a peaceful place to live and visit. It had an eventful past, but today the town sits quietly and welcomes all who wish to see it. No matter how long you stay, Hampden will leave its impression on you.
