1692Military
Known as "Ticonic" by English settlers, it was burned in 1692 during King William's War, after which the Canibas tribe abandoned the area.
1754Military
Fort Halifax was built by General John Winslow in 1754, and the last skirmish with indigenous peoples occurred on May 18, 1757.
1771Government
The township would be organized as Kingfield Plantation, then incorporated as Winslow in 1771.
1802Government
When residents on the west side of the Kennebec found themselves unable to cross the river to attend town meetings, Waterville was founded from the western parts of Winslow and ...
1813Government
In 1813, the Maine Literary and Theological Institution was established.
1821Education
It would be renamed Waterville College in 1821, then Colby College in 1867.
1824Architecture
In 1824 a bridge was built joining the communities.
1832Economy
mills, but in less than a year was carried away by the highest river level since 1832.
1849Architecture
On September 27, 1849, the Androscoggin and Kennebec Railroad opened to Waterville.
1866Architecture
The Ticonic Water Power & Manufacturing Company was formed in 1866 and soon built a dam across the Kennebec.
1870Government
It would become part of the Maine Central Railroad, which in 1870 established locomotive and car repair shops in the thriving mill town.
1873History
West Waterville (renamed Oakland) was set off as a town in 1873.
1877Education
The first public high school was built in 1877, while the current Waterville Senior High School was built in 1961.
1888Government
Waterville was incorporated as a city on January 12, 1888.
1894Government
Thomas College was established in 1894.
1900Economy
A second mill was added, and by 1900 the firm dominated the riverfront and employed 1,300 workers.
1901Architecture
The iron Waterville-Winslow Footbridge opened in 1901, as a means for Waterville residents to commute to Winslow for work in the Hollingsworth & Whitney Co.
1902Culture
In 1902, the Beaux-Arts style City Hall and Opera House designed by George Gilman Adams was dedicated.
1903Architecture
Rebuilt in 1903, it would be called the Two Cent Bridge because of its toll.
1970Government
Since 1970, the following people have served as mayor of Waterville: Richard "Spike" Carey (1970–1978), Paul Laverdiere (Republican, 1978–1982); Ann Gilbride Hill (Democrat, 198...
1988History
Kany (Democrat, 1988–1989); David E.
1990History
Bernier (1990–1993); Thomas J.
1994History
Brazier (1994–1995); Nelson Megna (1995–1996); Ruth Joseph (Democrat, 1996–1998); Nelson Madore (Democrat, 1999–2004); Paul R.
2000History
=== 2000 census ===
As of the census of 2000, there were 15,605 people, 6,218 households, and 3,370 families living in the city.
2001History
The 2001 satirical comedy movie Wet Hot American Summer is set in a fictional summer camp near Waterville, with some scenes taking place in the city.
2004History
LePage (Republican, 2004–2011); Dana W.
2005Government
In 2005, the charter was substantially revised, changing the city government to a "weak mayor" council-manager system.
2007Economy
Hathaway Company textile facility to retail, office, and residential use, with MaineGeneral Health becoming the first tenant in 2007.
2008Government
Barack Obama received 70% of Waterville's votes in the 2008 presidential election.
2009Education
It was a part of Kennebec Valley Consolidated Schools (AOS92) from 2009 to 2018.
2010History
== Demographics ==
=== 2010 census ===
As of the census of 2010, there were 15,722 people, 6,370 households, and 3,274 families living in the city.
2011History
Sennett (Democrat, 2011); Karen Heck (independent, 2012–2014); Nicholas Isgro (Republican, 2015–2020); Jay Coelho (2021–present).
2015Education
The presence of two colleges contributes significantly to the local economy, with Colby College alone investing over $70 million in downtown development since 2015.
2017Architecture
acquired the Hathaway Creative Center in 2017 for $20.1 million and subsequently purchased additional mill buildings in 2019 for $1.5 million.
2018Crime
In 2018, Isgro faced a recall election after he made a Twitter post insulting a gun control activist present during the Stoneman Douglas High School shooting in Parkland, Florida.
2022Architecture
Key developments include the $26 million Lockwood Hotel, which opened in August 2022 as downtown's first new hotel in over a century.
2023History
The city's median household income was $47,489 in 2023, with 17% of families living below the poverty line.