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According to liuxers, Bethel, Maine is a small town located in Oxford County in the western part of the state. It is situated at the foot of Sunday River Ski Resort and is close to the White Mountain National Forest. The town has a total area of 28.9 square miles with 25.4 square miles of land and 3.5 square miles of water.

The landscape of Bethel is characterized by rolling hills, open meadows, and dense forests interspersed with numerous rivers and streams. The Androscoggin River runs through the center of town, providing a major source for recreation such as fishing, swimming, rafting, and canoeing.

Bordering Bethel to the north is Newry while Hanover borders it to the east. To the south are Gilead and West Paris while Woodstock borders it to the west. A few other smaller towns are also nearby including Greenwood, Upton, Bryant Pond, Locke Mills and Albany Township.

The elevation in Bethel ranges from 500 feet above sea level at its lowest point near Sunday River Ski Resort to 1,800 feet above sea level at its highest point on Old Speck Mountain which provides beautiful views of both Bethel and surrounding areas on clear days.

Overall, Bethel’s geography offers visitors and residents alike an opportunity to experience nature in all its beauty with plenty of outdoor activities for everyone to enjoy such as hiking, biking, fishing, skiing or snowshoeing in winter months when snow falls on Old Speck Mountain creating a winter wonderland.

History of Bethel, Maine

The history of Bethel, Maine dates back to 1774 when it was first settled by families from Massachusetts and Connecticut. The town was initially called Sudbury-Canada, but the name was changed to Bethel in 1802. The name “Bethel” comes from the Hebrew word for “house of God” and is derived from the Bible story of Jacob’s Ladder.

In 1821, the Oxford County Courthouse was built in Bethel, solidifying its status as a major center for commerce and industry. The town grew quickly as a result of its location on the Androscoggin River which provided easy access to transportation and trade routes throughout New England.

During the 19th century, Bethel became known as an important educational center with several notable schools established in the area including Gould Academy (1836), Telstar Regional High School (1964), and Gould Business School (1909).

Bethel has long been considered a picturesque destination with many visitors coming to experience its stunning natural beauty. In recent years it has become a popular tourist spot due to its proximity to Sunday River Ski Resort which opened in 1959.

Today, Bethel is home to approximately 2,600 people who enjoy living in this small town that offers plenty of recreational activities such as hiking, biking, fishing and skiing in addition to year-round cultural events held at local venues like The Gem Theater or The Bethel Inn Resort Pavilion.

Economy of Bethel, Maine

The economy of Bethel, Maine is largely based on tourism, education, and services. The town is home to several educational institutions including Gould Academy and Telstar Regional High School, which bring students from all over the area. This helps to boost the local economy by providing jobs for teachers, administrators and other staff members.

Bethel also benefits from its close proximity to Sunday River Ski Resort, which brings in thousands of visitors each year looking for a place to ski or snowboard in the winter months. This influx of tourists provides a major boost to the local economy as they spend money on lodging, dining, entertainment and other activities while in town.

In addition to these two major industries, Bethel has a thriving service sector that includes medical services, retail stores and restaurants. These businesses help to provide employment opportunities for many of the locals living in Bethel as well as those visiting from out of town.

The Bethel Inn Resort is another important part of the local economy as it not only provides lodging but also hosts events like weddings and conferences throughout the year. This helps bring more visitors into town who will likely spend money at other businesses as well.

Overall, Bethel’s economy is diverse and growing with plenty of opportunity for entrepreneurs looking to start their own business or those looking for employment in one of its many sectors such as education or tourism.

Politics in Bethel, Maine

Bethel, Maine is a small town with a population of approximately 2,600 people. The town is governed by an elected select board of three members who are responsible for setting policy and overseeing the day-to-day operations of the town. This board is elected by the citizens of Bethel every two years and works closely with the town’s administrator to ensure that all municipal services are running smoothly.

The politics in Bethel are largely conservative and the town tends to vote Republican in most elections. However, Bethel also has a strong independent streak and has been known to vote for candidates from both major parties depending on the issue at hand.

Bethel is represented in the Maine Senate by Senator Lisa Keim who was elected in 2018. She serves as an advocate for her constituents on issues such as education, healthcare, economic development and public safety.

In addition to Senator Keim, Bethel is also represented in the Maine House of Representatives by Rep. Jonathan Kinney who was first elected in 2014. He serves on several committees including Health & Human Services and Labor & Housing where he works to advocate for his constituents’ needs and interests.

Overall, Bethel’s politics tend to lean towards conservative ideologies but there is also room for more liberal views as well depending on the issue at hand. The citizens of Bethel take their civic duties seriously and actively participate in local elections whenever possible.