Auburn is a city in Androscoggin County, Maine, United States with a population of 24,061 (as of the 2020 census). It is Androscoggin County's Shire Town. Auburn is located in southwest Maine on the falls of the Androscoggin River across from Lewiston. They are also abbreviated as LA due to the proximity of Lewiston and Auburn.
Auburn, Maine, nestled in Androscoggin County alongside its twin city
Lewiston, offers a blend of natural landscapes, outdoor recreation, and
subtle historical charm. Situated along the Androscoggin River, the area
is renowned for its Franco-American heritage, stemming from 19th-century
mill workers, and serves as a gateway to Maine's lakes and mountains
region. While not a major tourist hub like Portland or Bar Harbor,
Auburn's sights emphasize serene nature escapes, seasonal activities,
and community-oriented spots that reward those seeking an authentic,
low-key New England experience.
Auburn Riverwalk
This
mile-long paved pathway hugs the Androscoggin River, starting from a
small park near Great Falls in Auburn and connecting via a pedestrian
bridge to Simard-Payne Memorial Park in neighboring Lewiston. It's a
tranquil spot for leisurely strolls, jogging, or cycling, with scenic
views of the river's flow, surrounding foliage, and occasional wildlife
sightings like herons or ducks. The walk is especially vibrant during
events such as the Liberty Festival on July 4th, where fireworks light
up the sky, or the Great Falls Balloon Festival in August, turning the
area into a colorful spectacle. Historically tied to the region's
industrial past, the path offers interpretive signs about the mills and
bridges that once powered the local economy. Open year-round, it's
accessible for all ages and abilities, though it can get slippery in
winter—perfect for sunset views in summer or leaf-peeping in fall.
Thorncrag Nature Sanctuary
Spanning over 450 acres, Thorncrag is
a wildlife preserve and bird sanctuary managed by the Stanton Bird Club,
offering a network of well-marked trails through dense forests, open
fields, and rocky outcrops. As one of Auburn's premier natural areas,
it's ideal for birdwatching—with species like warblers, hawks, and owls
frequently spotted—or simply hiking to the 510-foot summit for panoramic
views of the surrounding hills and distant mountains. The trails vary in
difficulty, from easy loops for families to steeper paths for more
adventurous explorers, and include educational elements like signage on
local ecology and geology. Open from dawn to dusk year-round, it's a
haven for photographers capturing seasonal changes: vibrant wildflowers
in spring, lush greenery in summer, fiery foliage in autumn, and
snow-covered serenity in winter. No fees or permits are required, but
leashed dogs are welcome, making it a favorite for locals seeking
solitude away from busier state parks.
Mount Apatite Park
A
geological gem, Mount Apatite Park covers about 325 acres and features
abandoned quarries from the 19th and early 20th centuries, where
minerals like tourmaline, feldspar, quartz, and apatite were once mined.
Visitors can explore the site on foot via a series of trails that lead
to deep, water-filled pits and exposed rock faces, offering a hands-on
opportunity for rockhounding—collecting small specimens is allowed for
personal use, though commercial digging is prohibited. The park's rugged
terrain provides moderate hikes with elevation gains, revealing hidden
caves, ledges, and even remnants of old mining equipment, giving a
glimpse into Maine's industrial history. It's particularly appealing for
families or geology enthusiasts, with picnic areas and open spaces for
relaxation. Open dawn to dusk, the site transforms seasonally: wild
berries abound in summer, while winter brings snowshoeing possibilities.
Safety is key, as some quarry edges are steep, so stick to marked paths.
Lake Auburn
As a pristine body of water spanning 2,260 acres,
Lake Auburn serves as both a recreational spot and the public water
supply for the Lewiston-Auburn area, which means swimming is off-limits
to preserve its quality. However, it's a prime destination for boating,
kayaking, and fishing, with abundant species like smallmouth bass, lake
trout, and perch drawing anglers year-round (ice fishing is popular in
winter with proper permits). The lake's shoreline features wooded areas
and rocky outcrops, offering peaceful paddling routes with views of
distant hills and minimal development. Access points include public boat
launches, and the surrounding watershed trails allow for hiking or
picnicking. Its clear waters and protected status make it a symbol of
Maine's environmental stewardship, especially vibrant during fall
foliage season when the trees reflect fiery colors on the surface.
Lost Valley Ski Area
Known as Maine's "Learn to Ski & Snowboard
Area," Lost Valley spans 240 acres and features 15 trails catering to
beginners and intermediates, with a vertical drop of about 240 feet. In
winter, it buzzes with activity: night skiing under lights, a terrain
park for tricks, and lessons for all ages, making it family-friendly and
accessible. The on-site brewpub, home to Lost Valley Brewing Co.,
operates year-round, serving craft beers, pub fare, and hosting events
like live music or trivia nights. Summer shifts to outdoor pursuits like
disc golf or mountain biking on the trails. The area hosts the annual
Auburn Winter Festival in January, featuring snow sculptures, races, and
community gatherings. Its compact size ensures shorter lift lines
compared to larger resorts, emphasizing fun over crowds.
Androscoggin Riverlands State Park
Just a short drive from central
Auburn, this expansive 2,675-acre park along the Androscoggin River
boasts 12 miles of multi-use trails for hiking, mountain biking,
horseback riding, and in winter, cross-country skiing or snowshoeing.
The terrain varies from riverside paths with fishing access to forested
loops passing old homestead foundations and wetlands teeming with
wildlife like moose, deer, and beavers. Canoeing and kayaking on the
river provide a water-based perspective, with calm sections ideal for
beginners. The park's remote feel, despite its proximity to urban areas,
offers solitude and opportunities for birding or photography, especially
during migratory seasons. No entrance fees apply, and it's open
year-round, though some trails may close for maintenance.
Other
notable mentions include the Norway Savings Bank Arena for ice skating
or events, the Community Little Theatre for local performances, and
nearby cultural sites like the Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul in
Lewiston, which ties into the area's Franco-American roots. Auburn's
sights thrive on their accessibility and natural focus, making it an
underrated destination for those exploring Maine beyond the coast.
Auburn, Maine, a small city in Androscoggin County with a population
of around 24,000, sits across the Androscoggin River from its twin city,
Lewiston. Known for its industrial past in shoe manufacturing and
milling, Auburn's history dates back to the 19th century, with many old
buildings and sites tied to eerie tales. While not as infamous for
hauntings as some New England spots, local lore, witness accounts, and
historical events have fueled legends of ghostly presences, often linked
to tragic deaths, abandoned structures, and unexplained phenomena.
Below, I'll delve into the most notable haunted legends and abandoned
places, drawing from local reports, investigations, and community
stories. Note that many of these stem from oral histories and personal
experiences, blending fact with folklore.
Haunted Legends in
Auburn
Auburn's haunted reputation often centers on its historic
downtown buildings and residential areas, where spirits are said to
linger due to untimely deaths or unresolved pasts. Paranormal activity
ranges from benign curiosities to chilling encounters, with some sites
investigated by local ghost hunters.
Auburn Public Library
Built in 1903 at 49 Spring Street, this Carnegie-funded library is one
of Auburn's oldest public institutions, originally designed in the
Renaissance Revival style with granite and brick. The primary legend
revolves around a ghostly male figure who appears as a spectral man with
an unsettling, perpetual smile. Witnesses, including staff and visitors,
have reported seeing him staring down from upper windows or inside
rooms, only to find the areas empty upon investigation. The apparition
is described as non-threatening but eerie, possibly tied to the
building's early 20th-century history as a community hub where locals
gathered during epidemics or economic hardships. No specific identity is
attributed to the ghost, but some speculate it could be a former
librarian or patron from the library's founding era. Paranormal
enthusiasts note cold spots and feelings of being watched, though
detailed investigations are scarce.
Engine House (Old Fire
Station)
Located at the corner of Court and Spring streets in
downtown Auburn, this Victorian-style brick building was constructed in
1878 and served as the city's main fire station until the mid-20th
century. The core legend stems from a firefighter's tragic death around
the turn of the 20th century: he reportedly fell (or jumped) from the
tower, with some accounts suggesting suicide due to personal troubles.
Old photographs in the building depict the hearse used for his funeral,
adding to the macabre atmosphere. Today, repurposed as a business
incubator and entrepreneurial space, it's rife with reports of
paranormal activity. Mayor Jason Levesque, who once operated a business
there, described sensing unseen presences and witnessing doors opening
and closing repeatedly on their own. Staff have recounted bathroom doors
refusing to stay open, slamming shut even when propped, as if held by an
invisible force—often while alone in the building. These incidents are
attributed to the deceased firefighter's restless spirit, perhaps
replaying his final moments or guarding the site. Local ghost hunting
groups like Central Maine Ghost Hunters have noted electromagnetic
fluctuations, supporting claims of "curious" but non-malevolent
entities.
Great Falls School (Now Community Little Theatre)
This weathered stone building on Academy Street, originally the Great
Falls School built in the late 19th century, now houses the Community
Little Theatre (CLT), a volunteer-run performing arts venue. Legends
here focus on residual hauntings from its school days, possibly linked
to children or staff who died during outbreaks like the 1918 flu
pandemic or from accidents in the industrial era. Witnesses, including
CLT's building manager Brandon Shaloux, report unexplained thumps in
empty rooms, footsteps echoing in hallways, and sensations of not being
alone—especially in the basement, where some refuse to venture solo.
Cast members have seen fleeting faces in windows at night while leaving
rehearsals, and cold drafts accompany feelings of hair standing on end.
A 2020 investigation by Central Maine Ghost Hunters detected activity,
describing the spirits as "curious" rather than harmful, with electronic
voice phenomena (EVPs) capturing whispers. The building's creepy vibe is
amplified during seasonal haunted walks hosted by CLT, blending staged
scares with genuine lore. No violent incidents occur, but the atmosphere
evokes a sense of watchful presences tied to the site's educational
past.
Other Notable Ghost Stories and Legends
Auburn shares
"twin cities" lore with Lewiston, often involving poltergeist-like
activity in older homes and former industrial sites. For instance:
Winter Street House: Residents report apparitions of a young woman
in 18th-century attire, an older woman (possibly her mother), and a
spectral soldier on the porch—believed to be a Vietnam War veteran who
died abroad, watching over his family.
Spring Street Building (Former
Nursing Home): Footsteps, objects relocating mysteriously, and a
prankster spirit that makes occupants feel observed.
Goff Hill House:
An old residence near the hill's top is said to harbor spirits of the
deceased, with vague reports of whispers and shadows.
Laurel Avenue
Homes: Multiple houses here are rumored haunted, with cold spots and
unexplained noises linked to early settlers.
Former Gates Formed
Fibre Factory: Cleaning crews heard thumping and furniture shifting in
empty offices, leaving areas untouched out of fear.
Center Street Car
Dealership: A desk drawer slid open on its own during an interview,
startling witnesses.
Broader Maine legends sometimes bleed into
Auburn, like the Route 26 Hitchhiker—a ghostly woman in a wedding dress
who vanishes after accepting rides, tied to a fatal accident near Poland
(close to Auburn).
These tales, collected from locals via social
media and articles, suggest Auburn's ghosts are more mischievous than
malevolent, often rooted in the city's mill-town hardships.
Abandoned Places in Auburn
Auburn's industrial decline left behind
decaying structures, many overgrown and vandalized, fostering urban
exploration but also safety hazards. These sites often intersect with
haunted lore due to their isolation and histories of tragedy.
Auburn Drive-In Theater
Opened in the 1950s on the outskirts along
Route 121, this classic drive-in was a family entertainment staple
showing double features until it closed in the early 2000s amid
competition from multiplexes. Now abandoned, the site features a
crumbling screen tower, rusted speaker posts, and an overgrown lot
scattered with debris. Explorers report eerie silence broken by
wildlife, with the faded marquee evoking nostalgia for mid-20th-century
Americana. No major hauntings are documented, but the isolation at night
amplifies feelings of unease, with occasional reports of distant
laughter or shadows near the concession stand ruins. It's a popular spot
for photographers but trespassing is discouraged due to private
ownership and decay.
Abandoned Colonial Home
This early
19th-century colonial-era house, located in a wooded area off a rural
road (exact address withheld for privacy), has been vacant since at
least the 2010s. Built around 1800, it features classic Federal-style
architecture with wide floorboards, multiple fireplaces, and a central
chimney, but years of neglect have led to sagging roofs, broken windows,
and interior vandalism. Urban explorers in 2018 and 2021 documented
moldy wallpapers, scattered personal artifacts (like old letters and
furniture), and signs of squatting. The history is murky—possibly tied
to early farmers or mill workers—but legends whisper of a family
tragedy, such as a fire or illness claiming lives. Visitors describe
oppressive atmospheres, creaking floors as if someone is walking, and
cold drafts. It's not officially haunted but embodies the melancholy of
forgotten homesteads in rural Maine.
Former Minot Avenue Shoe
Factory (The Barn)
At 67 Minot Avenue, this massive four-story brick
mill, built in 1908 with expansions in 1912 and 1914, was once the Lunn
& Sweet Shoe Company, employing hundreds during Auburn's shoe
manufacturing boom. Purchased in 2015 by Chinese investors for a
proposed $40 million medical tourism center (in partnership with a local
hospital), the project stalled, leaving it vacant. By 2025, the
structure is in dire condition: collapsing roof allowing rainwater to
flood interiors, floor holes from decay, multiple fires (including one
from copper thieves and another from transients), and overgrown
vegetation hiding entry points. City officials have secured it
repeatedly due to vandals and squatters, with risks of structural
failure heightened by winter snow. Spooky elements include reports of
shadowy figures inside, echoing sounds from empty halls, and a history
of unauthorized encampments—fueling tales of lingering worker spirits
from the factory's grueling era. It's considered a public threat, with
ongoing legal actions against owners.
Other Abandoned Spots
Highland Avenue Basement: An abandoned house off Goff Hill features a
damaged, creepy basement where former residents reported intense fear
and unexplained presences, possibly tied to structural instability or
squatter activity.
St. Louis Church: This 1920s Gothic Revival church
at 279 Danville Corner Road is endangered rather than fully abandoned,
with cracking masonry, failing concrete, and a shifting parapet wall.
Preservation efforts are underway, but its looming, shadowed interior
has inspired ghost stories of echoing prayers.
These sites highlight
Auburn's blend of history and decay, attracting explorers but posing
dangers—always respect private property and local laws if visiting. For
more, local forums and ghost tours in the Lewiston-Auburn area offer
guided insights.
Auburn, Maine, is a city located in south-central Maine, serving as the county seat of Androscoggin County. It lies approximately 35 miles north of Portland, the state's largest city, and forms part of the Lewiston-Auburn metropolitan area, often referred to as the "Twin Cities" due to its close proximity and shared economic and cultural ties with Lewiston across the Androscoggin River. Geographically, Auburn is positioned at coordinates 44°5′N 70°14′W, with an elevation of about 190 feet (58 meters) above sea level. The city spans a total area of 65.74 square miles (170.27 square kilometers), of which roughly 59.34 square miles (153.69 square kilometers) is land and 6.40 square miles (16.58 square kilometers) is water, making water features a significant component of its landscape. This places Auburn in the foothills of Maine's Western Lakes and Mountains region, contributing to its gently rolling terrain and access to both urban and natural environments.
Auburn's topography is characterized by gently rolling hills typical of southern Maine's transitional zone between coastal lowlands and the more rugged Appalachian foothills to the north. The landscape was heavily shaped by glacial activity during the Pleistocene epoch, resulting in a mix of glacial till, outwash plains, and eskers—long, winding ridges of stratified sand and gravel left by retreating glaciers. These glacial deposits dominate the surficial geology, covering much of the area's 133 square kilometers in the Lake Auburn East quadrangle. Bedrock in the region consists primarily of metamorphic and igneous rocks, including granite pegmatites, which are exposed in certain areas and have historically supported mining activities. Notable landforms include Mount Apatite, a small hill rising to about 500 feet, known for its mineral-rich quarries and serving as a key natural feature in Mount Apatite Park. The terrain supports a variety of recreational trails and parks, with elevations varying modestly across the city, creating scenic vistas along river valleys and hilltops.
Water plays a central role in Auburn's geography, with the Androscoggin River forming the eastern boundary and serving as a major drainage feature. This river, which flows southward toward the Atlantic Ocean, historically powered mills with its falls and rapids, including the Great Falls—a jagged outcrop of ancient rock formations dating back hundreds of millions of years. The Little Androscoggin River also drains the city, contributing to its hydrological network. Lake Auburn, a 2,260-acre body of water in the northern part of the city, is a prominent natural lake used for recreation and as a drinking water source, fed by surrounding watersheds. These water bodies account for about 10% of the city's area and support wetlands, floodplains, and riparian zones that enhance biodiversity. The rivers and lake influence local microclimates and provide habitats for aquatic species, while also posing occasional flood risks during heavy rains or snowmelt.
Auburn's underlying geology reflects Maine's complex tectonic history, part of the broader New England Appalachian region. The bedrock includes Silurian-Devonian metamorphic rocks, such as schists and gneisses, intruded by granitic bodies. Granite pegmatites in the western sections are mineralogically rich, containing gems like tourmaline, apatite, feldspar, and quartz, which have been mined since the 19th century at sites like Mount Apatite. Surficial materials are predominantly glacial in origin, with till (unsorted sediment) covering hills and moraines, and stratified deposits in valleys from meltwater streams. This glacial legacy has created fertile valleys interspersed with rocky outcrops, influencing land use from agriculture to quarrying.
Soils in Auburn and surrounding Androscoggin County vary widely but are generally derived from glacial till and outwash, falling into categories like Spodosols (acidic, forested soils) and Inceptisols. Dominant soil orders include Ochrepts, Orthods, and Aquepts, with a frigid soil temperature regime typical of northern New England. Chesuncook soils, a loamy type formed under coniferous forests, are common statewide and likely present here, supporting forestry and limited farming. These soils are often well-drained on uplands but poorly drained in low-lying areas near rivers and lakes, with pH levels tending toward acidity due to the region's podzolization processes. Soil variability impacts local agriculture, with sandier types in river valleys suitable for crops and heavier clays in hills requiring amendments.
Auburn lies within the New England/Acadian Forests ecoregion, featuring a mix of deciduous and coniferous vegetation adapted to the area's soils and climate. Common tree species include red maple, sugar maple, white pine, eastern hemlock, and northern red oak, forming mixed hardwood-conifer forests. Understory plants such as ferns, wildflowers, and shrubs thrive in forested areas, while wetlands near Lake Auburn and the rivers support alder, willow, and cattails. The city's parks and trails, like the Auburn Riverwalk and Mount Apatite Park, preserve these natural habitats, promoting biodiversity. Wildlife includes white-tailed deer, moose, black bears, and various bird species, with the rivers hosting fish like brook trout and Atlantic salmon. Human development has altered some areas, but conservation efforts maintain green spaces amid the rolling hills.
Auburn experiences a humid continental climate (Köppen Dfb), with four distinct seasons: cold, snowy winters; mild springs; warm, humid summers; and cool, colorful autumns. Annual average temperature is around 45.8°F (7.7°C), with highs ranging from 79°F (26°C) in July to lows of 11°F (-12°C) in January. Precipitation is abundant, totaling about 43-48 inches (1,095-1,220 mm) of rain equivalent annually, distributed fairly evenly but peaking in late spring and fall. Snowfall averages 75 inches (190 cm) per year, with winter storms influenced by nor'easters bringing heavy accumulations. Summers are moderately warm and humid, with occasional thunderstorms, while falls feature vibrant foliage. Climate variability includes rare extremes, such as temperatures below -5°F (-21°C) or above 87°F (31°C). The proximity to rivers and lakes moderates local temperatures slightly, but overall, the climate supports outdoor activities year-round while posing challenges like winter road maintenance.
Early Settlement and Origins
The history of Auburn, Maine, traces
back to the Pejepscot Purchase, a large tract of land acquired in 1714
by a group from Boston and Portsmouth following the Treaty of
Portsmouth, which ended hostilities between the Abenaki Indians and
English settlers. The area was granted in 1736 by the Massachusetts
General Court to veterans of the 1690 Battle of Quebec, but conflicting
land claims and ongoing conflicts delayed settlement until after the
French and Indian Wars. European settlement began in 1786 when the
region was part of Bakerstown Plantation, which was renamed Poland upon
incorporation in 1795. It later became part of Minot, incorporated in
1802, before Auburn was set off as a separate town on February 24, 1842.
The name "Auburn" is believed to derive from Oliver Goldsmith's 1770
poem The Deserted Village, which describes an idyllic village of the
same name.
One of the earliest settlers in what is now downtown
Auburn was Joseph Welch, a log driver who built a log cabin near the
Androscoggin River around 1797. The area known as New Auburn, located at
the confluence of the Androscoggin and Little Androscoggin Rivers, was
originally inhabited by Native Americans due to its strategic location.
European development there began in earnest in 1870 when Augustus M.
Pulsifer, dubbed the "Father of New Auburn," purchased 300 acres of
forested land to create a planned manufacturing village centered around
cotton textiles. This included the construction of the Barker Mill in
1872, a facility with 16,000 spindles designed to produce sheetings and
employ about 400 workers, significantly boosting local population
growth. The village featured a street system, quality homes, small
businesses, schools, and houses of worship, fostering a compact,
walkable community.
Auburn's geographic expansion occurred through
annexations: land from Poland in 1852, all of Danville (originally
Pejepscot) in 1867, and parts of Minot in 1873, making it one of Maine's
largest municipalities at 65.74 square miles. In 1854, Androscoggin
County was formed from portions of Cumberland, Lincoln, Oxford, and
Kennebec counties, with Auburn selected as the county seat after a
contentious election against Lewiston and Danville, amid allegations of
voter incentives and corruption. Auburn transitioned from a town to
Maine's 13th city on February 22, 1869, after a narrow voter approval
(452-365) following an initial rejection in 1868, with Thomas
Littlefield serving as its first mayor. In 1917, it became the first
city in Maine to adopt a council-manager form of government.
Industrial Growth and Economic Development
Auburn's early economy was
agrarian, with farms producing grain and other goods. Transformation
into an industrial hub began with the construction of a bridge to
Lewiston in 1823 and accelerated with the arrival of the Atlantic and
St. Lawrence Railroad in 1848, turning it into a mill town powered by
falls on the Androscoggin and Little Androscoggin Rivers. Industries
included cotton and woolen textiles, carriages, iron goods, bricks, and
furniture.
The shoe manufacturing industry became dominant,
originating in 1835 with the factory system introduced by Joseph Roak,
who established the first shoe factory and later relocated it near the
railroad for better access. By 1859, 25 manufacturers operated in the
area, with production surging during the Civil War. This earned Auburn
the nickname "Shoe Capital of Maine" and later "Shoe Capital of the
World." Key figures included Asa Cushman, whose factory was the largest
under one roof in the late 19th century, and a 1917 operation that
produced 75% of the world's white canvas shoes. The city's seal,
featuring a spindle with various shoes, symbolizes this era. Population
boomed from about 4,000 in 1860 to 12,000 by 1890, and over 9,500 by
1880, largely due to immigration. Downtown developed with brick
structures like the Phoenix Block (1856), Pickard Block (1871), and Roak
Block (1871).
French Canadian immigrants, often arriving by train
from Quebec, were drawn to the shoe factories, contributing to a
significant Franco-American community in the Lewiston-Auburn area. This
cultural influx shaped local institutions, with resources like the
Franco-American Collection at the University of Southern Maine's
Lewiston-Auburn College preserving thousands of records on their history
in Maine and New England.
Post-World War II, the shoe industry
declined, with major factories closing between 1957 and 1961. By the
1960s, Auburn diversified into new sectors, attracting companies like
General Electric, Tambrands, Pioneer Plastics, and Anthoine Rubber
(formerly Goodyear), creating over 1,300 jobs through the Auburn
Business Development Corp. Today, the economy includes plastic
laminates, automotive products, and electrical components. Population
stabilized, reaching 23,203 in 2000 and 23,055 in 2010.
Key
Events and Challenges
Auburn faced several pivotal events. In 1883,
Lake Grove Park opened on Lake Auburn's shores, offering recreational
amenities like picnics, a bowling alley, roller rink, boats, an open-air
theater, and the steamship Lewiston. The nearby Lake Auburn Mineral
Spring House operated from 1889 to 1993, with a hotel for visitors, but
the park closed in 1928 due to water protection concerns and the rise of
automobiles.
The 1933 New Auburn Fire, ignited by an 11-year-old boy
on Mill Street amid dry, windy conditions, destroyed 249 buildings,
including tenements, a synagogue, and two schools, displacing 422
families (2,167 people) and causing over $2 million in damage.
Firefighters from 12 towns contained it after six hours, with no
fatalities; St. Louis Catholic Church survived, leading to updated fire
and building codes.
The 1937 Shoe Strike involved thousands
protesting low wages and seeking union rights through the Congress of
Industrial Organizations, led by Powers Hapgood. Tensions escalated with
violence on Court Street, National Guard intervention, arrests, and an
injunction, ending the strike in late June with mixed outcomes for
workers.
In 1967, Auburn was named an All-America City under Mayor
Harry Woodard Jr., recognizing urban renewal, beautification, and
economic revitalization amid unemployment and outmigration.
Notable People and Legacy
Prominent figures include Thomas
Littlefield (first mayor), Joseph Roak and Asa Cushman (shoe industry
pioneers), Augustus M. Pulsifer (New Auburn founder), Powers Hapgood
(labor organizer), and Harry Woodard Jr. (1960s mayor). The Androscoggin
Historical Society Library and Museum preserves local artifacts, while
recreational sites like Lost Valley Ski Area, Lake Auburn, and Taylor
Pond continue to define the area. Auburn's evolution from a frontier
settlement to an industrial powerhouse and diversified community
reflects broader Maine and New England trends in immigration, industry,
and adaptation.
Traffic
Auburn and Lewiston are connected by Interstate 95 and a
rail line to central Augusta to the north and to Biddeford and Boston in
Massachusetts to the south. The US Highway 202 runs north-south through
the city.
media
Auburn is supplied with a local newspaper
through a daily newspaper, the "Sun Journal", published in the twin
towns of Lewison.
Education
The entire spectrum of American
schools is represented in Auburn, from elementary schools through
various high schools and colleges to a branch of the University of
Maine.
In 2011, Auburn became the first city in the US to use
iPads extensively as a teaching tool in elementary schools.