Franklin, Maine
Franklin, Maine, part of Hancock County, was founded in 1764 by Moses Butler when he created the first settlement at what is appropriately called Butler's Point. The town was incorporated on January 24, 1825. It is located northeast of Ellsworth, the main commercial center of the county. Coastal U.S. Route 1 is the main highway that passes through this section of “Down East” Maine but it passes through about 4 miles (6.4 km) south of the town center. To the west, Route 182 veers off from Coastal U.S. Route 1 just north of Kilkenny Cove and heads on a northeasterly angle towards town, passes through it, then eventually begins to turn southeast until it connects again with U.S. Route 1 in Cherryfield. If you are coming from Sullivan on the coast, you would simply take Route 200 north for about 4 miles. Franklin lies at the junction of Routes 182 and 200.
Location
This small and quiet New England town is on the north side of Hog Bay and Taunton Bay so there are several beautiful views and lots of water frontage on the south side. Some of the roads leading north of town provide commanding views of blueberry fields that are especially beautiful during the autumn season (as shown above). You will also be rewarded with distant views of the mountains of Mount Desert Island. Schoodic Peninsula, the only part of Acadia National Park located on the mainland, is to the southeast of here via Route 200, U.S. Route 1, and Route 186.
Census Data
According to the year 2020 census, the town has a population of 1,567 and covers approximately 41.43 square miles (107.30 sq. km). The year 2010 census recorded a population of 1,483 so there has been an increase in population of 84, or an approximately 5.6 percent growth over 10 years. The main products produced in town are ship masts, railroad ties, granite, blueberries, and Christmas trees. The town states that there are more than 75 businesses located within its boundaries, many of which are home based. They range from photographers, potters, sculptors and jewelers to woodcutters, tile makes and electricians.
Additional Information
- Municipal Town Office: 207-565-3663
34 Main Street, P.O. Box 206, Franklin, ME 04634 - GPS Coordinates: Latitude 44.587117; Longitude -68.230258
- Chamber:
P.O. Box 381, Winter Harbor, ME 04693
Franklin Blueberry Fields
Let there be no doubt about it. This is Down East Maine blueberry country. Although it is filled with coastal character, drive a little inland and you will be totally surprised at the sheer size and breadth of the blueberry businesses here. When the leaves of the plants are red, it is incredibly striking and memorable. This is also in addition to the fact that the blueberries themselves are delicious. We, in Maine, just about have the market sewed up on this one. There is no better blueberry in the whole world. And Franklin, is at the center of the activity.