The first church was formed in 1804, and in 1806, the first settled minister was the Reverend John Strickland. Because Maine was a part of Massachusetts at that time, Andover, Maine was incorporated as East Andover, Mass. on June 23, 1804. The first settlers were farmers and woodsmen. Farming has declined in popularity, but forest products are a mainstay of the economy. Several wood-working mills are located in town, and many local citizens work for or supply pulp wood to The Mead Corp., which is located in nearby Rumford.
Tourism is also an important part of the economy.