Outline of Maine
Maine forms the northeastern corner of the United States. West Quoddy Head, a small peninsula of Maine, is the country's easternmost piece of land. Nearby Eastport lies farther east than any other U.S. city. On a map, northern Maine looks like a giant wedge between the Canadian provinces of New Brunswick and Quebec. Augusta is the capital of Maine, and Portland is the largest city.
Maine, the largest of the New England States in area, is probably best known for its beautiful shore on the Atlantic Ocean. Along this famous ''rock-bound'' coast of the state are lighthouses, sandy beaches, quiet fishing villages, thousands of offshore islands, and Acadia National Park-the only national park in New England. Jagged rocks and cliffs, and thousands of bays and inlets, add to the rugged beauty of Maine's coast. Inland, the state has sparkling lakes, rushing rivers, green forests, and towering mountains.
Many cities and towns lie in the lowlands of southern Maine. But forests cover nearly 90 percent of the state. Trees from Maine's forests provide raw materials for a giant wood-processing industry, and this industry forms the backbone of Maine's economy. Mills in Maine make paper, pulp, toothpicks, and a variety of other products from trees. Maine leads the states in the production of toothpicks and ranks high in the manufacture of other wood products. Maine's nickname, the Pine Tree State, came from the tall pines that once made up much of the state's forests.
Service industries and fishing are also important in Maine. Thousands of people spend their summer vacations in Maine. They provide much income for lodging places, restaurants, and shops in the state. Maine leads all other states in lobster fishing.
Pioneering English colonists first settled in Maine in 1607, thirteen years before the Pilgrims landed at Plymouth Rock. Cold weather and lack of supplies forced the settlers back to England in 1608. English colonists made permanent settlements in Maine in the 1620's. Maine was a part of Massachusetts for the better part of 200 years. Then, on March 15, 1820, it became the 23rd state of the United States.
Inland, visitors can marvel at the picturesque mountain views, wooded landscapes, historic villages, scenic covered bridges, and old family farms. Fishing enthusiasts can try their luck in one of Maine's many lakes, ponds, rivers, and streams. During the winter, visitors are lured to the state's many ski resorts and snowmobile and cross-country ski trails.
Maine's offering of historic sites, amazing scenery, family attractions, and arts and entertainment attracts thousands of vacationers yearly. Maine's coastal region is filled with galleries; boutiques; wide, sandy beaches; lively arts and entertainment communities; and magnificent period architecture. The state is famous for its beautiful peninsulas of rocky coast and quaint fishing villages.
The name Maine probably means mainland. Early English explorers used the term The Main to distinguish the mainland from the offshore islands. New Englanders often refer to Maine as Down East. They call people who live in Maine Down Easters or Down Easterners. These terms probably come from the location of Maine east of, or downwind from, Boston. Ships from that port sailed down to Maine, and ships from Maine traveled up to Boston.
