The twin cities have a long history of French-Canadian immigration, and still retain a very large percentage of citizens who identify as so. In the 2000 census, 19.4% of those five and older in the cities combined (more so on the Lewiston side of the river) said that they spoke French.[3][4]
Lewiston was incorporated in 1863, and has a population of 37,121.
Merging cities
For years, the idea of consolidating the cities into one has floated around. Proponents have cited budget savings and the already existing sense of community and unity that exists. In May 2013, city councilors from both cities discussed the possibility of merging through a new voter-approved charter. With most in support, they agreed to discuss further in detail at a later point.[5]
In 2017, a vote on merging the two cities appeared on city ballots. The measure was rejected by a wide margin, with 84% of Auburn voters and 66% of Lewiston voters rejected the merger.[6]