Charleston is a town in Penobscot County, Maine, United States.

The land was granted on July 14, 1802, by the Massachusetts General Court to John Lowell.

Known as T2 R5 NWP, or Township 2, Range 4, North of the Waldo Patent, it was incorporated on February 16, 1811, as New Charlestown, to distinguish it from Charlestown, Massachusetts, when that state included the province of Maine.

In late 1950, construction began on the Charleston Air Force Station, part of the Aerospace Defense Command.

Known as Bull Hill for its location in the town, the station was completed in early 1951, and fully staffed and operational in 1952.

After the base closed, it was transformed into the Charleston Correctional Facility, which opened in 1980.

There were 546 housing units at an average density of 13.5 per square mile (5.2/km2).

20.8% of all households were made up of individuals, and 7.5% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older.

18.3% of all households were made up of individuals, and 5.8% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older.