The collection of Hiram Historical Society consists of approximately 10,000 items that document the history of Hiram, Maine, including photographs, letters, maps, and artifacts. General Peleg Wadsworth and Timothy Cutler, who had large land grants, were the principal founders of the town which was settled in 1774 and incorporated in 1814. Hiram is located in southern Oxford County along the Saco and Ossipee Rivers and among scenic hills, lakes and forests. In the 19th century it was a thriving agricultural town with two hotels, more than 20 shops, and mills for lumber and planing, grain and carding. It had factories for men's clothing, slate blackboards, axe handles, and chairs, with population of about 1500. Logging and ice cutting were prominent, along with tourism, and crops of hay and corn. It was served by two railroads: Portland and Ogdensburg RR (1871) and the narrow gauge Bridgton & Saco River RR (1883) and had 16 School Districts.