The New International Encyclopædia/Lewiston (Maine)

LEWISTON. A city in Androscoggin County, Maine, 35 miles north of Portland; on the east bank of the Androscoggin River, opposite Auburn, and on a branch of the Grand Trunk and the Maine Central railroads (Map: Maine, C 7). Several bridges here span the river. The stream at this point falls fifty feet, affording fine water-power, which is utilized by means of a distributing dam and canal, the system having been built at a cost of $1,000,000. The principal manufactures include cotton and woolen goods, cotton and woolen mill machinery, foundry products, boilers and engines, boots and shoes, belting, lumber products, carriages, furniture, and bricks. There are also extensive bleaching and dye works. Lewiston is the seat of Bates College (q.v.), and has a fine city hall, a public park, and the Manufacturers' and Mechanics' Library of 10,000 volumes, now located in the new Carnegie Library building, as well as the collegiate library. The government is vested in a mayor, annually elected, a bicameral council, and the usual administrative officials. Population, in 1890, 21,701; in 1900, 23,761. Settled in 1770 and called the ‘Plantation of Lewiston’ until 1795, when it was incorporated as a town, Lewiston was chartered as a city in 1863.