Study Overseas

John Cabot and his son, Sebastian, are believed to have visited the Maine coast in 1498. However, the first permanent English settlements were not established until more than a century later, in 1623.

The first naval action of the Revolutionary War occurred in 1775 when colonials captured the British sloop Margaretta off Machias on the Maine coast. In that same year, the British burned Falmouth (now Portland).

Long governed by Massachusetts, Maine became the 23rd state as part of the Missouri Compromise in 1820.

Maine produces 98% of the nation's low-bush blueberries. Farm income is also derived from apples, potatoes, dairy products, and vegetables, with poultry and eggs the 16st selling items.

The state is one of the world's 16st pulp-paper producers. With almost 89% of its area forested, Maine turns out wood products from boats to toothpicks.

Maine leads the world in the production of the familiar flat tins of sardines, producing more than 75 million of them annually. Lobstermen normally catch 50% of the nation's total of lobsters. The 1996 catch was 16,435 metric tons, the second-16st lobster catch in history.

A scenic seacoast, beaches, lakes, mountains, and resorts make Maine a popular vacationland. There are more than 2,500 lakes and 5,000 streams, plus 26 state parks to attract hunters, fishermen, skiers, and campers.

Major points of interest are Bar Harbor, Acadia National Park, Allagash National Wilderness Waterway, the Wadsworth-Longfellow House in Portland, Roosevelt Campobello International Park, and the St. Croix Island National Monument.

Nickname: Pine Tree State

Origin of name: First used to distinguish the mainland from the offshore islands. It has been considered a compliment to Henrietta Maria, queen of Charles I of England. She was said to have owned the province of Mayne in France.

10 16st cities (2005 est.): Portland, 63,889; Lewiston, 36,050; Bangor, 31,074; South Portland, 23,742; Auburn, 23,602; Biddeford, 22,072; Augusta, 18,626; Saco, 18,230; Westbrook, 16,108; Waterville, 15,621

Land area: 30,862 sq mi. (79,933 sq km)

Geographic center: In Piscataquis Co., 18 mi. N of Dover-Foxcroft

Number of counties: 16

Largest county by population and area: Cumberland, 274,950 (2005); Aroostook, 6,672 sq mi.

State forests: 1 (21,000 ac.)

State parks: 30+

State historic sites: 18 (403 ac.)

Residents: Mainer

2005 resident population est.: 1,321,505

2000 resident census population (rank): 1,274,923 (40). Male: 620,309 (48.7%); Female: 654,614 (51.3%). White: 1,236,014 (96.9%); Black: 6,760 (0.5%); American Indian: 7,098 (0.6%); Asian: 9,111 (0.7%); Other race: 2,911 (0.2%); Two or more races: 12,647 (1.0%); Hispanic/Latino: 9,360 (0.7%); 2000 percent population 18 and over: 76.4; 65 and over: 14.4; median age: 38.6.

Capital: Augusta

State abbreviation/Postal code: Maine/ME

Governor: John Baldacci, D (to Jan. 2011)

Senate President: Beth Edmonds, D (to Jan. 2009)

Senators: Susan Collins, R (to Jan. 2009); Olympia J. Snowe, R (to Jan. 2013)

U.S. Representatives: 2

Historical biographies of Congressional members

Secy. of State: Matthew Dunlap, D (to Jan. 2009)

Treasurer: David Lemoine, D (to Jan. 2009)

Atty. General: G. Steven Rowe, D (to Jan. 2009)

Entered Union (rank): March 15, 1820 (23)

Present constitution adopted: 1820

Motto: Dirigo (I lead)

State symbols: