March 9, 2020 Kingfield

Maine is filled with so many hidden gems just waiting to be discovered! The focus of this blog post will be the town of Kingfield, out in our western focus area.

Kingfield has a rich history and is of great cultural significance to this part of the state; the locals cherish the surrounding mountain ranges and the Carrabassett Valley. Kingfield itself dates back to the early 19^th century. Founded in the year 1816, it was originally part of Massachusetts. William King, who would go on to be the first governor of Maine, bought the land that would later become Kingfield.

As the locals would be proud to state, the famous Stanley family was one of the first in the area; his lineage would come to be known as the inventors of the Stanley Steamer automobile in the early 20^th century. As the name suggests, the vehicle was an early steam-powered automobile that, while a revolutionary design at the time, quickly fell flat due to the rising availability and impressive power of gasoline-powered automobiles. Despite this, the Stanley steam-powered automobile to this day is a testament to green energy being put into practice.

One of the more notable local attractions is Sugarloaf Mountain, which started development in the 1950s. A group of locals began creating a trail on what is now Sugarloaf, originally wanting to make the slope on a different mountain. The other mountain overlooked what would then become Flagstaff Lake, an artificial lake that flooded the town of Flagstaff around the same time. The creation of the lake forced the group to reconsider where the slope would be built. Today, Sugarloaf is one of the most popular ski resorts in the country, and people visit from all over the world to ski down its breathtaking slopes.

Kingfield is home to a fantastic heritage tied to the environment in which the town thrives. Though it is a small town of just over 1,000 people, its residents welcome visitors to experience the serene beauty of the valley. The autumn foliage is truly a sight to behold, with stunning views from up high and in the valley. While visiting, be sure to stop by any of the various restaurants and shops in the area! The people of Kingfield share a deep connection with the area, a bond that cannot easily be broken; ask someone about what the spirit of the area is about, and you will no doubt hear a captivating story!

~A.S.