Life in Effingham has developed such characteristics as old fashioned virtue, a simple mode of living and a willingness to work. It's bounded on the north by Freedom (separated by the Ossipee River), south by Wakefield and Ossipee, east by Parsonfield, Maine and the west by Ossipee. The Effingham and Freedom townships were formerly united. In 1749 Effingham was granted as Leavitts Town and in 1778 was incorporated under its present name. The section north of the Ossipee River was incorporated as North Effingham in 1831 and in 1832 assumed the name Freedom. Some of the most serious obstacles encountered by the first settlers were the constructing of roads and bridges, and development of the beautiful but rocky terrain. A bounty was offered to entice people to settle in the area - however some of the land was unsuitable for farming and those people were given extra land. The power of the river at Effingham Falls was harnessed in 1820 and sawmills and gristmills were erected. Soon roads, stores, a church, school and tavern were built. By 1858 Effingham was more populated than it is now! In 1830 James W. Bradbury (later United States Senator from Maine) took the Effingham Union Academy Building (1819) and established The First Normal School - the first college of its kind, designed for training teachers. Another historic landmark is "Squire Lords Great House" on Lord's Hill. The impressive 19th century architecture is throughout, even to the carriage house and stable. Most of the people in Effingham are self-employed or own small businesses. Effingham is governed by town meeting and three selectmen. Town budgets are voted on in March. State Community Profile