Oakland was first settled by colonists of EnglandEnglish descent who came from Massachusetts and New Hampshire in the latter half of the 1700s. At that time the area was known as Taconnet, which is derived from one of the four tribes of Native Americans in the United StatesNative Americans who first occupied this region. The area was incorporated as Winslow in 1771. In 1802, the area west of the Kennebec effected a peaceful secession and incorporated as Waterville. In 1873, the manufacturers in the western section, who had created a separate center of activity and trade and were unhappy about taxation, incorporated as West Waterville. In 1883, the residents voted to rename their town Oakland. Manufacturers long have been drawn to Oakland because of the water power provided by Messalonskee Stream. Oakland once was known as the axe and scythe producing capital of New England (U.S.)New England. With changing technology, newer industries such as the Cascade Woolen Mill replaced the agricultural equipment industry. In recent times, Oakland has witnessed another change in its industrial base. Older industries have closed, making way for new companies such as Valley Distributors, Industrial Metal Recycling, and Wrabacon, Inc. Waterville, Maine Waterville and Augusta, Maine Augusta are service centers for Oakland, and many Oakland residents commute to jobs in those areas. The completion of I-95 in the 1960s increased Oakland's relationship with the Augusta area, and to some extent the Greater Portland, MainePortland and Bangor, MaineBangor areas. Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oakland%2C_Maine