"Gateway to the Western Mountains," announces this welcome sign between Mexico and Rumford. This is one of four such signs placed around the perimeter of the town separating it not only from Rumford, but also from Dixfield and Roxbury. Visitors are encouraged to head to the Mexico Recreation Park off of Route 17.

Established in 1818, Mexico has long been strategically located to benefit from its proximity to Rumford's paper mills. Its location at the confluence of the Swift River provides another advantage: the town is the gateway to the Rangeley Lakes region to the north on Route 17 and west on Route 2 to the Sunday River Ski and Golf Resort area in the town of Bethel.