How did Kennebec county Maine get its name?

Kennebec County, Maine, was named after the Kennebec River, which flows through the region. The name "Kennebec" is believed to originate from the Abenaki Word "Kennebec," meaning "long tidal river." Established in 1799, the county was formed from parts of Lincoln and Somerset counties, reflecting the area's geographic and cultural significance linked to the river. The Kennebec River played a crucial role in transportation and commerce in early Maine history.