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History of the Town of Edinburg

The Town of Edinburg, Maine is a small town with roots stretching back to the early 19th century. The area was first settled around 1827 as part of a frontier tract known as Township No. 1 of the “Old Indian Purchase” west of the Penobscot River. It was officially incorporated as the Town of Edinburg on January 31, 1835, carving off portions of adjacent unorganized townships. The town’s name was inspired by Edinburgh, Scotland – a tribute likely chosen by Scotsman John Bennoch, an early settler from nearby Orono who built a road through the area in 1826. By the time of incorporation, Edinburg’s population was just 52 residents (including 23 children), reflecting its humble pioneer origins.

Throughout its history, Edinburg has remained sparsely populated and rural. Farming and lumbering were mainstays of the local economy in the 19th century, and the Penobscot River served as an important artery for transporting timber and goods. By 1859 the town’s population had grown to 93 people, a level which is roughly where it still stands today. Isolated homesteads and logging camps characterized the community for much of its early years. The town experienced periods of decline – for instance, only 19 residents were recorded in 1960 at a low point – but has otherwise generally maintained a few dozen to a hundred or so inhabitants over the decades. This long-term stability at a very small scale underscores Edinburg’s enduring rural character and limited development.

One notable figure in Edinburg’s history is Corporal Asbury F. Haynes, a native son who served in the Union Army during the American Civil War. Born in Edinburg in 1842, Haynes performed a heroic feat at the Battle of Sayler’s Creek in Virginia on April 6, 1865 – capturing a Confederate battle flag – for which he was awarded the Medal of Honor. Haynes survived the war and lived until 1931, later moving out west; he remains a point of pride from Edinburg’s past. Over the years, Edinburg has otherwise been a quiet community, with its history largely defined by the ebb and flow of the logging industry and the steady presence of the Penobscot River.

Demographics

The Town of Edinburg is one of Maine’s smallest towns by population. As of the 2020 U.S. census, the town had 134 residents, up slightly (about 3%) from 131 at the 2010 census. The town’s population has fluctuated in the low hundreds (or fewer) for most of its existence. For example, in the mid-20th century the population dipped to just 19 people in 1960 before rebounding. The population density remains extremely low, around 4 people per square mile (1.5 per km²), given Edinburg’s large area and sparse settlement pattern. Key demographic indicators are summarized below:

In the 2010 census, Edinburg’s 131 residents were grouped into 53 households, of which the majority (64%) were married couples and about 24% had children under 18. The town’s age distribution skews older: the median age was 47 years, and over 40% of residents were aged 45–64 in 2010, while only about 20% were under 18. The gender split is roughly even (50.4% female, 49.6% male in 2010).

The town’s economic profile is modest but stable. The median household income as of the 2000 census was about $52,083, which was roughly on par with Maine’s average in the year 2000. Incomes have risen since then, with the estimated median household income in the early 2020s is in the mid-$60,000 range, comparable to the Penobscot County median.

Given the town’s historic self-sustaining rural lifestyles, our community enjoys a relatively decent standard of living. Very few residents live in poverty – in 2000, only 2.9% of the population (essentially one or two individuals) were below the poverty line, and no families or children were in poverty.

Geography

The Town of Edinburg is located in Penobscot County within the Central Maine Highlands, a region characterized by vast forests and river valleys. Geographically, it sits on the west bank of the Penobscot River and forms part of the river’s western shore corridor. The town lies about 30 miles north of the city of Bangor and is officially included in the Bangor Metropolitan Statistical Area. Edinburg is flanked by Argyle (to the south) and Howland (to the north), with its settled area largely running linearly between these communities along Maine State Route 116. Directly across the Penobscot River to the east is the town of Passadumkeag, near where the Passadumkeag River meets the Penobscot. This riverside location has strongly influenced Edinburg’s layout and development.

Covering 35.0 square miles (90.7 km²) in total area, the Town of Edinburg is relatively large in land area despite its tiny population. Notably, 100% of the town’s area is land – there are no sizable lakes or ponds within its boundaries (aside from the bordering Penobscot River itself). The terrain is generally low and flat; the town’s elevation averages around 226 feet (69 m) above sea level. Much of Edinburg is blanketed by Maine’s northern boreal forests, with a mix of hardwood and softwood timber. Extensive woodlands cover the interior, and indeed the town’s interior is crisscrossed by gravel logging roads. One aptly named track, “Tree Farm Road,” hints at the prevalence of commercial timber activity in the area. The vast majority of homes and farms in Edinburg are located along Route 116 near the Penobscot River, while the backcountry remains undeveloped forest.

Transportation infrastructure in Edinburg is minimal but significant. Maine State Route 116 is the primary road, running for about 8 miles through the length of the town along the river from the Argyle town line to the Howland line. This road provides the main access for residents and parallels the Penobscot, offering scenic views of the water. Additionally, Interstate 95, Maine’s major north-south highway, passes through the western part of Edinburg for several miles. However, there are no exits or interchanges within the town limits, so I-95 serves only to bisect the forest and does not directly contribute to local traffic or development. The absence of a highway exit has helped keep Edinburg quiet and insulated, with through-travelers rarely venturing off the interstate here. The Penobscot River itself is a natural transportation corridor; historically it was used for log drives and boat travel, though today it is more important for recreation than commerce.

Environmentally, Edinburg can be described as a riparian and forest landscape. The Penobscot River defines the town’s eastern border, providing rich riparian habitat and influencing the local climate with its waterway. Across the river lies the expansive Penobscot Indian Island Reservation downstream (though south of Edinburg’s latitude) and the unspoiled woods of Hancock County to the east. The town’s western reaches are part of Maine’s vast interior forests that stretch toward the Appalachian Highlands. Wildlife such as deer, moose, black bear, and waterfowl are common in the surrounding area, indicative of the largely untouched natural environment. Overall, Edinburg’s geography – a mix of riverside lowlands and timberland uplands – has fostered a way of life that is closely tied to nature. The scenic beauty and seclusion are defining features of the town’s setting, even as it sits within the orbit of the greater Bangor region.

Local Attractions

While Edinburg is a quiet, rural community, its appeal lies in the natural beauty and outdoor recreation opportunities of its surroundings. The town has been described as a “hidden riverside wilderness” where untouched forests and the scenic Penobscot River create a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. Visitors and residents looking for leisure activities in Edinburg will not find bustling commercial attractions or theme parks; instead, they find tranquility and nature-centric pursuits. Some of the notable local attractions and recreational opportunities include:

• Penobscot River Recreation: The Penobscot River is the centerpiece of Edinburg’s outdoor life. Along Edinburg’s stretch of this broad river, one can enjoy kayaking, canoeing, and fishing in a peaceful setting. The Penobscot River Water Trail passes by, offering miles of scenic flatwater paddling. Anglers prize the river for smallmouth bass and trout, and its shores make for excellent picnicking and birdwatching. The direct river access in Edinburg means residents can easily launch boats or cast a line from the west bank, often without another soul in sight.
• Forests and Wildlife: Edinburg’s expansive forests are an attraction in themselves, especially for those interested in hunting, wildlife photography, or hiking in undeveloped woods. The area is rich in wildlife – including deer, moose, black bears, wild turkeys, and waterfowl – making it popular for hunting and wildlife watching (in season). In winter, these same wooded trails and old logging roads become routes for snowmobiling and snowshoeing adventures. The lack of light pollution also means stargazers can get a brilliant view of the night sky on clear evenings, a simple natural attraction that many urban visitors appreciate.
• Scenic Solitude: The very character of Edinburg is a draw for those seeking solitude and a taste of off-the-grid living. Scenic drives along Route 116 offer views of the Penobscot River and surrounding countryside, especially beautiful during autumn foliage season. There are no large facilities in town – no hotels or restaurants – which ensures a peaceful, undeveloped atmosphere. Travelers looking to unplug can find rustic cabin rentals or campgrounds in the nearby towns, using Edinburg as a base for exploring the Maine woods. The town’s remoteness and tranquility are considered part of its charm, ideal for camping trips and enjoying nature without crowds.
• Proximity to Northern Maine Attractions: Although Edinburg itself is small, it lies within reach of several noteworthy outdoor destinations in northern and central Maine. A short drive north brings you to the Mattawamkeag Wilderness Park (in Mattawamkeag) which offers riverside camping, fishing, and hiking trails. To the east and northeast, the Lincoln Lakes region provides access to numerous lakes and recreational facilities for boating and swimming. For the truly adventurous, world-class wilderness areas are accessible on day trips from Edinburg – including Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument and Baxter State Park to the north, where visitors can hike Maine’s tallest peak (Mount Katahdin) or paddle remote rivers. Closer to the Bangor area (south of Edinburg), the Maine Forest and Logging Museum in Bradley showcases the region’s logging history and heritage, reflecting industries that Edinburg itself was built upon. In essence, Edinburg serves as a tranquil gateway to Maine’s northern outdoors, with many attractions in surrounding areas for those willing to explore.

Despite its unassuming size, Edinburg, Maine provides a rich experience for nature lovers and history buffs alike. The town’s history is quietly preserved in its landscape – from the tree-lined Penobscot shores that once floated logs to the old roads originally forged by settlers. Its demographics illustrate a community that, while small, is stable and close-knit. Geographically, Edinburg boasts the classic Maine scenery of winding rivers and endless forests. And when it comes to attractions, the town offers the simple but profound pleasures of the outdoors: clear waters, green woods, abundant wildlife, and the peace that comes with being well off the beaten path.

In summary, the Town of Edinburg stands as a snapshot of rural Maine life, combining historical roots with the natural beauty that continues to draw people to this corner of Penobscot County.