Definition
Kingfield is a town located in Franklin County in the state of Maine, United States.
Overview
Kingfield is situated in western Maine, approximately 30 miles (48 km) east of the New Hampshire border and about 130 miles (210 km) north of Portland. According to the 2020 United States Census, the town had a population of 1,197 residents. The town serves as a gateway to the Sugarloaf ski resort, a major winter recreation destination in the region. Kingfield’s economy includes tourism, small‑scale manufacturing, and local services. The town is traversed by the Carrabassett River and is intersected by U.S. Route 2 and State Route 16.
Etymology/Origin
The origin of the name “Kingfield” is not definitively documented. It is believed to be derived from an early settler or landowner bearing the surname King, or possibly transferred from Kingfield, New York, an earlier settlement. Accurate information is not confirmed.
Characteristics
- Geography: The town covers an area of roughly 48.2 square miles (124.8 km²), of which 47.7 square miles (123.5 km²) is land and 0.5 square miles (1.3 km²) is water. The terrain is characterized by rolling hills, forested areas, and portions of the Appalachian Mountain range.
- Government: Kingfield operates under a town meeting form of government, with an elected board of selectmen and a town manager overseeing municipal services.
- Education: The town is served by the Mountain Valley Community School, which provides elementary and secondary education to Kingfield and surrounding communities.
- Culture and Recreation: In addition to proximity to the Sugarloaf ski area, Kingfield hosts several cultural events, including an annual “Maine Country Music Festival” and a summer farmers’ market. The town contains historic buildings such as the Kingfield Public Library (built 1908) and several structures listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
- Infrastructure: Public utilities include a municipal water system, a volunteer fire department, and broadband internet service provided by regional cooperatives.
Related Topics
- Franklin County, Maine
- Sugarloaf (ski resort)
- Carrabassett River
- U.S. Route 2 (Maine)
- Town meeting form of government in New England
All information presented is based on publicly available records and reputable reference sources.