14 Fun Facts About Maine
The magnificent state of Maine is nestled in the northeast corner of America, surrounded by Canada, the Atlantic Ocean, and New Hampshire. Even with a small population, Maine’s history is vast and vibrant. From historic lobster production to some of the oldest national parks in the country, the Pine Tree State is home to fascinating facts. Here are 15 of the best.
1.The longest coastline?
Maine’s coastline is 3,478 miles long making it longer than California (3,427 miles) and the third longest after Florida and Louisiana (including bayou).
2.Lobster central
Maine is the largest harvester of lobster. In 2011, over 104 million pounds of lobster was caught in Maine waters.
3.Mount Katahdin
Maine’s highest mountain is Mount Katahdin, which stands at 5,268 feet. Mount Katahdin is also the end of the Appalachian Trail.
4.The ever-important blueberries
Over 90 percent of the United States’ blueberry crop is grown in Maine.
5.Bigger than you think
Maine’s landmass is geographically larger than the other five New England states combined.
6.A horror master
Famed horror author Stephen King calls Bangor, Maine home. Many of his books are based in Maine.
7.Only one neighbor
Maine is the only state in the country that borders only one other state. That state is New Hampshire.
8.Popular parks
Acadia National Park is the second most visited national park in the United State and it is the oldest national park east of the Mississippi River.
9.Becoming its own state
Maine became a state on March 15, 1820 as part of the Missouri Compromise. Prior to becoming a state, Maine was part of Massachusetts.
10.Moviemaking hot spot
Over the years, many movies or scenes from movies have been filmed in Maine. Maine has appeared in “Forrest Gump,” “Jumanji,” “Message in a Bottle,” and “The Cider House Rules.”
11.Unorganized townships
Most of northern Maine contains unorganized townships with names like T8 R4 WELS. Very few people live there.
12.Deserts in New England?
Maine is home to a 40-acre desert just outside of Freeport. The Desert of Maine was formed 11,000 years ago when a glacier slid through the state, leaving deposits of sand and other minerals.
13.Which is the true Portland?
Portland, Oregon is named after Portland, Maine over a coin toss.
14.No more alcohol
In 1851, Maine became the first state to ban the sale and manufacture of alcohol making it “The Birthplace of Prohibition.”
