Before we go to the interesting and fun facts about Maine. Let us first have a brief introduction of Maine, to somehow add some spice. Well, Maine is a state in northern New England in the United States. It is bounded by the Canadian provinces of Québec on the northwest and New Brunswick on the northeast. To the southwest lies New Hampshire, and to the southeast, the Atlantic Ocean. Maine entered the Union on March 15, 1820, when it was separated from Massachusetts to form the 23rd state. The name Maine probably originated as the word used by English explorers to refer to the mainland; it may also be derived from the province and region of Maine in northwestern France. Augusta is Maine’s capital. Portland is the largest city. Because of Maine’s proximity to some of the finest fishing grounds in the Atlantic, most early settlers turned to fishing for their livelihood. Later, Maine became an important shipbuilding and trading center. Its ruggedly beautiful coast, indented with many natural harbors, has made the state a popular summer resort area and a haven for artists. Maine’s rich supply of lumber has also influenced the course of the state’s development, perhaps even more than the sea. Nicknamed the Pine Tree State, Maine continues to be largely woodland, and its leading industries rely on wood as a raw material.
Now for the interesting facts about MAINE:
-Maine is the only state in the United States whose name has one syllable.
-Maine’s earliest inhabitants were descendants of Ice Age hunters.
-Because Cushnoc Island in the Kennebec River at Augusta was a navigation hazard, the people there hitched 200 oxen to the island, but they failed to move it an inch.
-Maine is the only state that shares its border with only one other state.
-Eastport is the most eastern city in the United States. The city is considered the first place in the United States to receive the rays of the morning sun.
-Bath is known as the City of Ships.
-Approximately 40 millions pounds (nearly 90 percent) of the nation's lobster supply is caught off the coast of Maine.
-Aroostook County at 6,453 square miles covers an area greater than the combined size of Connecticut and Rhode Island.
-Joshua L. Chamberlain born in Brewer received the only battlefield promotion to General during the Civil War. He was also the last Civil War soldier to die of wounds incurred in the War.
-In Wilton there's a cannery that imports and cans only dandelion greens.
-Barney Beal of Beal's Island was a noted strongman who could knock out a horse with one blow and who once bested 15 men in a tavern dispute.
-Portland was first temporarily selected as the state capital. In 1832 the capital was moved to the centrally located site of Augusta.
-Samuel Francis Smith of Waterville gave the nation "America" ("My Country, 'Tis of Thee"), which many believe should be the national anthem.
-Acadia National Park is the second most visited national park in the United States.
-The first European settlers in Maine brought timber in their ships to build houses and were astonished that their new home had its own magnificent forests.
-In 1641 America's first chartered city was York.
-Thanksgiving in Maine predated the Pilgrims. The Etchimin Indians celebrated for two weeks in autumn. Their feasts included turkey, cranberries, popcorn, and other familiar delicacies.
-The chickadee is the official state bird.
-Maine lies farther northeast than any other state.
-Maine's nickname as the Pine Tree State comes from the pines that once dotted the state's forests.
-With a total area of 33,215 square miles the state covers nearly as many square miles as the other five New England states combined.
-The state flower is the white pine cone and tassel.
-The coastline boasts so many deep harbors it is thought all the navies in the world could anchor in them.
-Maine lobsters have won international fame for their flavor and contribution to the culinary world.
-The Penobscot Marine Museum in Searsport houses numerous historic buildings and marine memorabilia.
-Fort Knox erected in 1844 is a state historic site originally built to protect the Penobscot River Valley from British naval attack. The fort was constructed from granite from nearby Mount Waldo.
-Numerous lighthouses dot the Main coast including Fort Point Lighthouse at Fort Point State Park in Stockton Springs and Grindle Point Lighthouse on Isleboro.
-The Sailor's Memorial Museum in Isleboro features displays depicting life at sea.
-West Quoddy Head is the most easterly point in the United States.
-Augusta is the most eastern capital city in the United States.
-Mount Katahdin is the state's highest point at 5,268 feet above sea level.
-Togus was the first Veteran's Hospital in the United States. The facility was founded in 1866.
-An unsuccessful attempt at establishing a permanent English settlement in the New World was at the location now known as Popham Beach. Sir George Popham led the expedition in 1607.
-90% of the country's toothpick supply is produced in Maine.
-Portland is the birthplace of poet Henry Wadsworth Longfellow.
-Senator Margaret Chase Smith stood up in the senate and gave the famous Declaration of Conscious speech, speaking out against the McCarthy era. Senator Smith was the first female presidential candidate.
-Author Steven King is a resident of Bangor.
-Former President George Bush has a summer home in Kennebunkport.
-Freeport is the home to the L.L. Bean Company.
-The skating scene in the movie "The Preacher's Wife" was filmed in Deering Oaks Park in Portland.
-Maine contains 542,629 acres of state and national parks.
-Edmund S. Muskie became the first Democratic United States senator ever elected by popular vote in Maine. He was also elected governor for two terms. He was born in Rumford.
-Eastport is the only United States owned principality that has been under rule by a foreign government. It was held from 1814 to 1818 by British troops under King George following the conclusion of the War of 1812.
-Maine's government entities are comprised of 16 counties with 22 cities, 435 towns, 33 plantations, 424 unorganized townships and 3 Indian reservations.
-Located in Thorndike Village, the Bryant Stove Works and Museum displays an eclectic collection of antique cast iron stoves, parlor heaters, roadsters and touring cars. In addition, the museum features antique layer pianos, pipe organs and music boxes, calliopes, nickelodeons, and hurdy-gurdys.
-Henry Wadsworth Longfellow was considered the most influential poet of his day. The writer was born in Portland, on February 2, 1807. His most popular works include "The Courtship of Miles Standish", "Evangeline" and "Hiawatha".
-The nation's first sawmill was established near York in 1623.
-York became the nation's first incorporated city in 1642.
-The first ship build by English colonists in Americas was launched on the Kennebec River in 1607.
-The first naval battle of the Revolutionary War was fought off Machias in 1775.
-Maine was admitted to the Union as the 23rd state on March 15, 1820.
-Maine's blueberry crop is the largest in the nation.
-The honeybee is the official state insect.
Now for the interesting facts about MAINE:
-Maine is the only state in the United States whose name has one syllable.
-Maine’s earliest inhabitants were descendants of Ice Age hunters.
-Because Cushnoc Island in the Kennebec River at Augusta was a navigation hazard, the people there hitched 200 oxen to the island, but they failed to move it an inch.
-Maine is the only state that shares its border with only one other state.
-Eastport is the most eastern city in the United States. The city is considered the first place in the United States to receive the rays of the morning sun.
-Bath is known as the City of Ships.
-Approximately 40 millions pounds (nearly 90 percent) of the nation's lobster supply is caught off the coast of Maine.
-Aroostook County at 6,453 square miles covers an area greater than the combined size of Connecticut and Rhode Island.
-Joshua L. Chamberlain born in Brewer received the only battlefield promotion to General during the Civil War. He was also the last Civil War soldier to die of wounds incurred in the War.
-In Wilton there's a cannery that imports and cans only dandelion greens.
-Barney Beal of Beal's Island was a noted strongman who could knock out a horse with one blow and who once bested 15 men in a tavern dispute.
-Portland was first temporarily selected as the state capital. In 1832 the capital was moved to the centrally located site of Augusta.
-Samuel Francis Smith of Waterville gave the nation "America" ("My Country, 'Tis of Thee"), which many believe should be the national anthem.
-Acadia National Park is the second most visited national park in the United States.
-The first European settlers in Maine brought timber in their ships to build houses and were astonished that their new home had its own magnificent forests.
-In 1641 America's first chartered city was York.
-Thanksgiving in Maine predated the Pilgrims. The Etchimin Indians celebrated for two weeks in autumn. Their feasts included turkey, cranberries, popcorn, and other familiar delicacies.
-The chickadee is the official state bird.
-Maine lies farther northeast than any other state.
-Maine's nickname as the Pine Tree State comes from the pines that once dotted the state's forests.
-With a total area of 33,215 square miles the state covers nearly as many square miles as the other five New England states combined.
-The state flower is the white pine cone and tassel.
-The coastline boasts so many deep harbors it is thought all the navies in the world could anchor in them.
-Maine lobsters have won international fame for their flavor and contribution to the culinary world.
-The Penobscot Marine Museum in Searsport houses numerous historic buildings and marine memorabilia.
-Fort Knox erected in 1844 is a state historic site originally built to protect the Penobscot River Valley from British naval attack. The fort was constructed from granite from nearby Mount Waldo.
-Numerous lighthouses dot the Main coast including Fort Point Lighthouse at Fort Point State Park in Stockton Springs and Grindle Point Lighthouse on Isleboro.
-The Sailor's Memorial Museum in Isleboro features displays depicting life at sea.
-West Quoddy Head is the most easterly point in the United States.
-Augusta is the most eastern capital city in the United States.
-Mount Katahdin is the state's highest point at 5,268 feet above sea level.
-Togus was the first Veteran's Hospital in the United States. The facility was founded in 1866.
-An unsuccessful attempt at establishing a permanent English settlement in the New World was at the location now known as Popham Beach. Sir George Popham led the expedition in 1607.
-90% of the country's toothpick supply is produced in Maine.
-Portland is the birthplace of poet Henry Wadsworth Longfellow.
-Senator Margaret Chase Smith stood up in the senate and gave the famous Declaration of Conscious speech, speaking out against the McCarthy era. Senator Smith was the first female presidential candidate.
-Author Steven King is a resident of Bangor.
-Former President George Bush has a summer home in Kennebunkport.
-Freeport is the home to the L.L. Bean Company.
-The skating scene in the movie "The Preacher's Wife" was filmed in Deering Oaks Park in Portland.
-Maine contains 542,629 acres of state and national parks.
-Edmund S. Muskie became the first Democratic United States senator ever elected by popular vote in Maine. He was also elected governor for two terms. He was born in Rumford.
-Eastport is the only United States owned principality that has been under rule by a foreign government. It was held from 1814 to 1818 by British troops under King George following the conclusion of the War of 1812.
-Maine's government entities are comprised of 16 counties with 22 cities, 435 towns, 33 plantations, 424 unorganized townships and 3 Indian reservations.
-Located in Thorndike Village, the Bryant Stove Works and Museum displays an eclectic collection of antique cast iron stoves, parlor heaters, roadsters and touring cars. In addition, the museum features antique layer pianos, pipe organs and music boxes, calliopes, nickelodeons, and hurdy-gurdys.
-Henry Wadsworth Longfellow was considered the most influential poet of his day. The writer was born in Portland, on February 2, 1807. His most popular works include "The Courtship of Miles Standish", "Evangeline" and "Hiawatha".
-The nation's first sawmill was established near York in 1623.
-York became the nation's first incorporated city in 1642.
-The first ship build by English colonists in Americas was launched on the Kennebec River in 1607.
-The first naval battle of the Revolutionary War was fought off Machias in 1775.
-Maine was admitted to the Union as the 23rd state on March 15, 1820.
-Maine's blueberry crop is the largest in the nation.
-The honeybee is the official state insect.
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