Maine

by The Linguist

All About Maine

All About Maine

Maine is a state located in the New England region of the northeastern United States. Its capital is Augusta and its largest city is Portland. Maine became the 23rd state on March 15, 1820 as part of the Missouri Compromise, which allowed Missouri to enter the Union as a slave state and Maine as a free state. It is the northernmost state in New England and borders the Canadian provinces of Quebec to the northwest and New Brunswick to the northeast. With an area of 35,385 square miles, Maine is the largest state in New England. Its total area is nearly as large as the other five states combined. Maine also has the longest coastline of any state on the eastern seaboard at 228 miles. The population was estimated at 1.3 million in 2019, ranking 40th among U.S. states. The largest ancestry groups in the state include English, Irish, French, and German.

History of Maine

Humans have inhabited Maine for at least 11,000 years. The earliest inhabitants were Paleo-Indians who migrated after the melting of glaciers during the end of the Ice Age. Maine was originally inhabited by Algonquian-speaking Native American tribes including the Abenaki, Penobscot, Passamaquoddy, and Mi’kmaq. European explorers such as Giovanni da Verrazzano began exploring the Atlantic coast including Maine in the early 16th century. French colonists founded the first permanent settlement in Maine at St. Croix Island in 1604. Over the next century, England gradually took over control of the region from France. Maine was first incorporated into the Massachusetts Bay Colony in 1652 and remained part of Massachusetts until becoming a separate state in 1820. During the American Revolutionary War, Maine was the site of numerous naval clashes and land battles. Notable historic events in Maine include the capture of the HMS Boxer by the USS Enterprise in 1813, considered a turning point in the war.

In the 19th century, Maine’s economy revolved around fishing, lumber, shipbuilding and maritime trades. Ice cutting became a major industry due to Maine’s cold winters. Maine was also an important stop on trade routes between Canada and New England. Major products from Maine included lumber, granite, lime, fish, and potatoes. Tourism began growing as a sector starting in the late 1800s, focused around Maine’s scenic mountains, lakes and coastline. In the 20th century, manufacturing became important to Maine’s economy, though the traditional natural resource industries remained strong. The opening of the Maine Turnpike in 1947 improved transportation access from southern New England. Maine’s economy began transitioning in the late 20th century from manufacturing to more service-based sectors. Today it has a diverse mix of industries including fishing, agriculture, lumber, paper, tourism, and telecommunications. Maine’s scenic beauty continues to make it a popular tourist destination.

For more on the history of Maine, check out its Wikipedia page.

Geography and Climate

Maine has a humid continental climate with warm, humid summers and very cold winters. The geographic makeup of the state is dominated by heavily forested mountains, rivers, ocean coastline, and numerous lakes and ponds. The highest point is Mount Katahdin at 5,271 feet. Major rivers include the Androscoggin, Kennebec, Penobscot and St. John. There are over 6,000 lakes and ponds in Maine.

Maine can be divided into several distinct geographic regions:

  • Western Maine – part of the Appalachian Mountains region, with rolling hills, mountains and abundance of forests and lakes.
  • Downeast – the coastal and islands region along the northern Atlantic coastline, containing fishing villages and popular tourist destinations like Bar Harbor and Acadia National Park.
  • The Highlands – a mostly uninhabited forested plateau stretching over the northern and western interior of Maine.
  • Southern Maine – the most populated region, containing the cities of Portland, Lewiston, Bangor and the capital Augusta. Has a mix of coastal areas, urban zones and rural farmlands.
  • Aroostook County – known as “The County”, the northernmost part of Maine along the border with Canada. Largely rural with an economy based on agriculture and forestry.

The latitude and ocean proximity give Maine a more temperate climate than inland regions at similar latitudes. Coastal areas have a maritime climate with cooler summers and milder winters. Inland mountain areas tend to be colder in the winter. The western mountains see the most precipitation, averaging 60-100 inches of rainfall per year. Coastal areas average 40-45 inches annually.

Major Cities and Towns

Here are some of the major cities and towns in Maine:

  • Portland – The largest city in Maine with a population of about 67,000. A busy seaport with an historic waterfront and growing arts, restaurant and tourism scene. Home to the Portland Museum of Art. Wikipedia
  • Lewiston – Maine’s second largest city located in south-central Maine along the Androscoggin River. Population 36,000. Historically a mill town with a large Franco-American population. Home of Bates College. Wikipedia
  • Bangor – The third largest city located near the Penobscot River in central Maine. Population 33,000. A commercial and cultural hub with a focus on education, technology and healthcare. Home of author Stephen King. Wikipedia
  • Augusta – Capital city located along the Kennebec River with population 19,000. Home to Maine’s state government offices and buildings. Wikipedia
  • Auburn – A small city in south-central Maine along the Androscoggin River. Population 23,000. Known for shoe manufacturing and a large Franco-American population. Wikipedia
  • Biddeford – Historic mill town located along the Saco River near the southern coast. Population 21,000. Home to the University of New England and a growing cultural scene. Wikipedia
  • Brunswick – Coastal town located in Mid Coast Maine along the Androscoggin River. Population 20,000. Home to Bowdoin College and a short distance from beaches and oceanside parks. Wikipedia
  • Saco – Coastal city near Portland located along the Saco River. Population 19,000. Noted for its historic downtown, parks, and proximity to beaches. Wikipedia
  • Sanford – Town in southern Maine known for agricultural production. Population 21,000. Site of the Sanford Seacoast Regional Airport. Wikipedia
  • South Portland – Located south of Portland along the coast with population 25,000. Home to the Maine Mall, Southern Maine Community College and Fort Preble historical site. Wikipedia
  • Presque Isle – The largest city in the northern Maine region of Aroostook County. Population 9,000. An agricultural and commercial hub for the surrounding rural areas. Wikipedia
  • Kennebunk – Historic coastal town located in southern Maine near beaches. Population 10,800. Known as summertime tourist destination with historic architecture. Wikipedia

Economy and Major Industries

Maine has a diverse economy made up of traditional natural resource industries as well as manufacturing, technology, services and tourism. Here are some of the major elements of Maine’s economy:

  • Fishing and Seafood – Commercial fishing plays a crucial role, with lobster being the state’s most valuable seafood. Shellfish like clams, oysters and mussels are also harvested. Maine Lobster Fishing
  • Forestry and Wood Products – Logging and processed wood make up a significant industry. Paper production is a major manufacturing sector. Maine Forestry
  • Agriculture – Potatoes, dairy products, poultry, and blueberries are important agricultural products. Maine leads the U.S. in blueberry and maple syrup production. Maine Agriculture Overview
  • Shipbuilding – Maine has a long history of ship construction including schooners, warships and submarines. Major shipyards such as Bath Iron Works remain active. Maine Shipbuilding History
  • Technology and Services – Growth sectors include information technology, biotech, financial services and healthcare. Major employers include banks, hospitals and universities. Maine Employment by Sector
  • Tourism – Maine’s lakes, mountains and ocean coastline make it a popular vacation destination. Key activities include boating, fishing, hiking and skiing. Maine Tourism Industry
  • Manufacturing – Key products include paper, lumber, food products, ships, electronics, precision instruments and textiles. Manufacturing employs over 50,000 workers. Maine Employment by Sector

For more details on Maine’s economy visit the Maine State Economist’s website.

Transportation

Here are the major transportation options in Maine:

  • Roads and Highways – The main highway is I-95 running north/south through southern Maine. Other major routes are I-295 around Portland, Route 1 along the coast, and Route 2 crossing the state. The Maine Turnpike (I-95 and I-495) is a toll highway linking Maine to New Hampshire.
  • Rail – Passenger rail services are provided by Amtrak’s Downeaster service from Boston to Brunswick. Freight rail lines transport lumber and goods across the state.
  • Air – Portland International Jetport (PWM) is the state’s largest airport with national connections. Bangor International Airport (BGR) also provides domestic flights. Smaller regional airports serve other parts of the state.
  • Ferries and Cruise Ships – Ferries connect Maine to Nova Scotia, New Brunswick and Newfoundland in Canada. Cruise ships visit the seaport towns during summer and fall foliage seasons.
  • Bus – Intercity bus service is provided by Concord Coach Lines and Cyr Bus Lines. Local bus networks operate in Portland, Bangor, Lewiston-Auburn and other population centers.

The Maine Department of Transportation oversees planning, construction and maintenance for all modes of transportation. Visit their website at MaineDOT.gov for public transportation information.

Education

Public K-12 education in Maine is managed through local school administrative units organized into approximately 150 local school districts. Some of the largest school districts include Portland, Bangor, Lewiston, South Portland and Augusta. There are also 27 charter schools in Maine.

According to the Maine Constitution, the State Board of Education has overall responsibility for education policy while the Maine Department of Education has administrative oversight. The Education Commissioner is appointed by the Governor. For more see the Maine Department of Education.

Maine has a total of 9 public universities plus 11 private colleges and universities. The largest public institution is the University of Maine in Orono with 11,000 students. Other notable colleges and universities include:

Maine also has an extensive network of over 30 public community colleges and technical institutions. The largest is the Central Maine Community College in Auburn.

Museums and Cultural Attractions

Some of Maine’s top museums and cultural sites include:

  • Portland Museum of Art – Maine’s largest public art institution with extensive collections of American, European and Maine artists. Located in downtown Portland. Website / Wikipedia
  • Maine Maritime Museum – Museum in Bath exploring Maine’s maritime heritage through artifacts, paintings, and a collection of historic vessels. Website / Wikipedia
  • Maine State Museum – Museum in Augusta managed by the state displaying exhibits on Maine art, history, culture and geology. Website / Wikipedia
  • Farnsworth Art Museum – Museum in Rockland with a collection focused on Maine and American artists. Features works from Wyeth family. Website
  • Monhegan Island – Island off the Maine coast that is home to a historic fishing village and known for its dramatic cliffs, lighthouses, and natural beauty that has attracted artists for generations. Accessible by ferry from the mainland. Website / Wikipedia
  • Desert of Maine – A 40 acre expanse of exposed glacial silt in Freeport that resembles a desert, featuring walking sand dunes. Offers tours and educational experiences. Website / Wikipedia
  • Maine Botanical Gardens – Extensive gardens located in Boothbay showcasing diverse ecological environments found in Maine. Features collections of Maine native plants. Website / Wikipedia

Parks and Outdoor Activities

With its magnificent coastline, forests, and mountains, Maine offers abundant opportunities for outdoor recreation. Some top parks and activities include:

  • Acadia National Park – One of Maine’s most popular attractions located on Mount Desert Island. Features Cadillac Mountain, hiking trails, and rugged ocean coastline. Website / Wikipedia
  • Baxter State Park – Located in remote northern Maine surrounding Mt. Katahdin. Offers camping, hiking, fishing and rugged wilderness. Website / Wikipedia
  • Maine Wildlife Park – Zoo in Gray featuring native wildlife including black bears, moose, mountain lions, bald eagles and Canada lynx. Managed by the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife. Website
  • Skiing – Maine has several alpine and cross country ski resorts, with Sugarloaf and Sunday River among the most popular destinations. Maine Skiing
  • Hunting and Fishing – Abundant opportunities across Maine for trout and salmon fishing, ice fishing, as well as deer, moose and bear hunting following strict regulations. Maine Dept of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife
  • L.L.Bean Flagship Store – Iconic outdoor gear retail store located in Freeport, open 24/7, featuring indoor trout pond, hunting and archery ranges. Offers outdoor tours and classes. Website / Wikipedia
  • Maine Island Trail – Water trail with over 200 islands and coves for sea kayaking and other boating along the Maine coast, overseen by the Maine Island Trail Association. Website

Local Resources

Here are some additional resources if you are looking for more local information about Maine:

I hope you found this guide to be a helpful overview of Maine’s history, attractions, resources and facts! Let me know if you need any other local information as you explore the great state of Maine.