Town of Norridgewock

Norridgewock, a town in Somerset County, was incorporated June 18, 1788 from Norridgewock Plantation.

The name is apparently not derived from Native Americans, but of Norse origin meaning A tribe located blow the falls. Early interpretations leaned toward an Indian term meaning little falls and smooth waters above and below.

An Indian community, the Norridgewogs, on the Kennebec River was attacked by the British in 1724 and killed the French priest Father Rasle.

The British later settled the area in 1773, though Benedict Arnold’s army passed through heading up the Kennebec River in 1775.

It became the shire town (county seat) of the newly established Somerset County in 1809, though it later lost than honor to neighboring Skowhegan.

The Sophie May House was the home of Rebecca Clark (Sophie May) and Sarah Clark, writers of nineteenth century children's books.

The village straddles a bend in the river at the junction of Maine Routes 8 and 139, and U.S. Routes 2 and 201A. The Sandy River empties into the Kennebec at the northern boundary of the town.

From Maine: An Encyclopedia (www.themaineencyclopedia.com)