Androscoggin

Androscoggin can refer to several related geographic features in northern New England, most notably the Androscoggin River, as well as to Androscoggin County in Maine. The name is of Indigenous origin, derived from the language of the Abenaki people.

The Androscoggin River is a major waterway that rises in the White Mountains of New Hampshire and flows generally southwest into western Maine for about 178 miles (286 kilometers). It enters the tidal Kennebec River at Merrymeeting Bay, contributing to a large estuarine system. The river’s banks are home to communities including Lewiston and Auburn, which developed rapidly in the 19th century around textile and paper mills powered by the river.

Historically, the river and its watershed supported extensive industrial activity, with mills along urban centers fueling regional growth. In the mid-20th century, pollution from industrial processes led to water quality concerns, prompting environmental regulation and cleanup efforts. Beginning in the late 20th century, programs at state and federal levels helped restore water quality, restore habitats, and promote recreational use.

Androscoggin County, located in Maine, is named for the river. The county encompasses a mix of urban, rural, and forested land and reflects the historical importance of the Androscoggin River to the region’s economy and identity. Today, the river remains used for recreation and continues to shape the landscape of central Maine and western New Hampshire.