Skowhegan, County seat in Somerset County, Maine, United States.
Skowhegan is a town located along the Kennebec River in Somerset County, Maine, with multiple buildings from 1880 to 1910 found in its Historic District. The town spreads along the waterway and contains a mix of older structures alongside modern buildings and streets.
European settlers from Massachusetts established the first settlement in 1771, and Colonel Benedict Arnold's troops passed through in 1775 heading toward Quebec during the American Revolution. This early British presence and military activity shaped how the region developed during the fight for independence.
The name comes from the Abenaki language meaning "watching place for fish," which shows how important this location was as a traditional fishing ground for local indigenous peoples. The river and its resources shaped how people here have lived for centuries.
The best way to explore the town is on foot through its different neighborhoods, especially the Historic District near the river. The area is fairly compact and provides easy access to local shops, restaurants, and public spaces.
A 62-foot tall sculpture by Bernard Langlais from 1969 shows an Abenaki figure and stands as a monument to Maine's indigenous peoples. The statue is visible from far away and many visitors overlook it, even though it represents an important cultural connection.
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