Monson, Maine, was incorporated as a town February 8, 1822. The land was a grant from the Legislature of Massachusetts to Hebron and Monson Academy, with a provision that a certain number of settlers should become residents of this township within a specified time. Monson Academy offered a grant of 100 acres to actual settlers.

Monson was for many years a slate-mining town, and an important part of Monson history is a related Scandinavian immigration to Monson in the late 1800s. A Finnish Hall is located just south of town on Route 15. An old Swedish Lutheran Church (today the AIIA Institute) is currently listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

The famed Appalachian Trail crosses Maine Route 15 just a few miles north of town at what is known as The Ledges. Monson is the last town that northbound hikers encounter before embarking on the One-Hundred Mile Wilderness, or the first town southbound hikers encounter after completing it. The 100-Mile Wilderness is a remote stretch of trail situated between Monson and Mt. Katahdin in Baxter State Park.

Hundreds of AT hikers enjoy a refreshing visit in Monson each hiking season to stock up on supplies, get a shower, enjoy a home-cooked meal, nurse a blister, and pick up their mail at the Monson Post Office. A number of facilities offer hikers a friendly and hospitable place to spend the night. See the Town Businesses section of this web page for a listing with more detail on lodging options.

The population of Monson at the time of the 2020 Census reading was 609 people.

The Piscataquis County Courthouse and County Commissioners’ office is located in Dover-Foxcroft, approximately 20 miles southeast of Monson.

The nearest hospitals are located in Greenville and Dover-Foxcroft.

Monson is a part of Maine School Administrative District (MSAD) #68. SeDoMoCha School (K-8) and Foxcroft Academy (9-12) are all located in Dover-Foxcroft.

Residents are employed in actual woods operations, or in nearby wood and textile mills. A significant number run small businesses of their own, including lodging facilities for Appalachian Trail hikers passing through town—last supply point south of the 100-Mile Wilderness leading to Mt. Katahdin. See the Businesses section of this website for a listing of many businesses based in Monson.

Monson is in State Senate District 4, in State House District 119, and in Maine’s 2nd District in the U.S. House of Representatives. For further information regarding Maine state government, visit www.maine.gov.