What’s In The Name Of Your Small Town In Maine?

Do you ever wonder why certain cities and towns are called what they're called? We get our names from our parents... but who were the parents of the towns we live in today?

According to MaineAnEncyclopedia.com, Waterville became a city in 1888, but was nicknamed "Elm City" due to the amount of old trees. Waterville was the name decided on because residents to the West of the Kennebec were unable to attend town meetings because of the water between them. Colby College was once called Waterville College. A bridge was since built to join the two communities in 1824.

Augusta was once known as Harrington, after incorporated from Hallowell in 1797. Augusta was named after the daughter of Henry Dearborn, a statesman and American soldier.

Oakland was settled in 1764, but was then known as West Waterville until 1883 when settlers disagreed with the taxation and petitioned to become their own separate town. You guessed it! Oakland was named after the crazy amount of Oak Trees that inhabited the area.

The town of Winslow was named after General John Winslow who had overseen the construction of Fort Halifax. The house the General and his father lived in still stands today and can be visited and toured. Find the details at their website: WinslowHouse.org.

In 1818, the town (not the country!) of China was incorporated and named by Japheth Washburn, who chose the name based on one of his favorite hymns.

Gardiner was founded originally Gardinerstown Plantation in 1754. This town got its name after Dr. Sylvester Gardiner, a doctor from Boston, who fled during the Revolution because he was still loyal to the British crown!

Fairfield was settled in 1774 and once known as Fairfield Plantation, named due to its 'fair' aspect.

My beloved hometown of Sidney was settled in 1760 and is named after a Sir Phillip Sidney. According to the site, Sidney was an author and a military commander.

If you know of any other funky reasons for towns names being what they are let us know!