|
Belgrade
is located just a few miles northwest of Maine's capital city,
Augusta. Our current population is estimated to be about 4,000
year-round citizens, and that number nearly doubles when non-residents
arrive to spend the summer months at their cottages.
The first
settlers came to Belgrade in 1774, and the Town was incorporated
in 1796. In the early days, most of its citizens earned a living
by farming or working in its several grist and lumber mills. Gradually,
however, residents started commuting to nearby cities for employment.
Now, no working farms remain in Belgrade, and the town has become
what many call a "bedroom community" composed of people who reside
here but who work elsewhere. Employment in town is limited, with
two lumber companies and a manufacturer of concrete products employing
most locals. Small businesses such as restaurants and country
stores provide a few year-round jobs, with rental cottages, boys/girls
camps, marinas and a golf course adding part-time positions in
the summer.
Belgrade
covers about sixty square miles, with a large part of this area
composed of lakes, streams and wetlands. Its five lakes and their
inlet/outlet streams offer several species of fish for those who
enjoy fishing, plenty of water surface for boaters, and excellent
opportunities for those people interested in bird watching. With
our forest acreage expanding, as former farmland reverts to tree
growth, deer, moose and birds have become more plentiful for people
to enjoy. There is a new 18-hole golf course, just south of Belgrade
Lakes Village, with entrance from the West Road.
For more
information don't forget to stop by the
Belgrade Lakes Region
Information Center.
|