Rumford, town in Oxford County, Maine, United States
Rumford is a small town in Oxford County, Maine, built around the Androscoggin River, which drops over 170 feet at Rumford Falls. The town has two main areas: the falls area with shops and a Reflection Pool, and The Island, an active district between the river and old mill canals containing shops, restaurants, the town hall, and banks.
The town was founded in the late 1700s and officially established in 1800, settled mainly by people from Rumford, New Hampshire. Everything changed in 1882 when Hugh Chisholm built a railroad and established the first paper mill, transforming it from a small farming community into a major industrial center with rapid growth.
The town's name comes from Rumford in New Hampshire, where early settlers originated. The statues of Paul Bunyan and his blue ox Babe near the waterfalls reflect how the community has kept alive the stories of American loggers and the working traditions that shaped this place.
The town experiences cold winters with heavy snow, making winter sports like skiing and snowshoeing popular activities, while summers are mild and good for outdoor exploration. The Black Mountain ski area is nearby and easily accessible, and the waterfalls and Reflection Pool are open year-round for visitors.
Black Mountain ski area hosts major national and international ski competitions that draw teams from around the world to compete. The town also celebrates Independence Day with fireworks and festivities that bring visitors from surrounding areas to watch and join in the holiday fun.
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