State Abbreviation: ME

Capital: Augusta

Name Origin: Some historians think Maine’s name came from the nautical term “mainland” or “the main,” which the colony’s founders may have used to differentiate Maine from the islands off its coast. Or it might have been named after an English village of the same name.

Nickname: Pine Tree State

Statehood: March 15, 1820 (23rd State)

State Motto: Dirigo (I lead)

Maine, located in the northeastern United States, boasts a rich history and diverse natural beauty. While John Cabot and his son, Sebastian, are believed to have explored the Maine coast in 1498, it wasn't until 1623 that the first permanent English settlements were established.

During the Revolutionary War in 1775, a significant naval action took place off the Maine coast when colonials captured the British sloop Margaretta in Machias. That same year, Falmouth, now known as Portland, was burned by the British.

Maine, previously governed by Massachusetts, became the 23rd state as part of the Missouri Compromise in 1820. Known as the Pine Tree State, Maine's economy thrives on various agricultural and industrial sectors. The state is renowned for its production of low-bush blueberries, responsible for 98% of the nation's supply. Additionally, Maine generates farm income from apples, potatoes, dairy products, vegetables, poultry, and eggs.

With an impressive 89% of its area covered in forests, Maine is one of the world's largest producers of pulp and paper products. Its abundant natural resources contribute to the manufacturing of a wide range of wood products. Maine also holds the distinction of leading the world in the production of flat tins of sardines, producing over 75 million tins annually.

Maine's picturesque landscape, including a scenic seacoast, beaches, lakes, and mountains, attracts visitors from far and wide, making it a popular vacation destination. The state boasts more than 2,500 lakes, 5,000 streams, and over 30 state parks, providing ample opportunities for hunting, fishing, skiing, and camping.

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 are among the many notable points of interest that showcase Maine's unique charm, cultural heritage, and stunning natural landscapes.

• Author Stephen King was born in Maine, and his hometown of Bangor was the model for many of the towns in his scary stories. Other famous Mainers include author Henry Wadsworth Longfellow and poet Edna St. Vincent Millay.
  
• Maine lobster is one of the state’s most famous foods. The state also serves up fiddleheads, which are the furled fronds of ferns and are eaten like any other vegetable.
  
• Because of its rocky coastline, Maine is famous for lighthouses—it has more than 60 of them. The oldest lighthouse in Maine is the Portland Head Light in Cape Elizabeth.

1. Explore Acadia National Park: Located on Mount Desert Island, Acadia National Park offers breathtaking coastal scenery, rugged mountains, and diverse wildlife. Enjoy hiking, biking, camping, and breathtaking views from Cadillac Mountain, the tallest peak on the U.S. Atlantic coast.
2. Visit Portland: Maine's largest city, Portland, is a vibrant coastal destination with a rich history and charming waterfront. Explore the Old Port district, known for its cobblestone streets, boutique shops, and delicious seafood restaurants. Don't miss the opportunity to visit the Portland Head Light, one of the most photographed lighthouses in the United States.
3. Discover the Maine Coastline: Experience the beauty of Maine's coastline by taking a scenic drive along Route 1 or exploring picturesque coastal towns like Camden, Kennebunkport, and Bar Harbor. Enjoy fresh seafood, go sailing, or take a whale-watching tour to spot majestic marine creatures.
4. Take a Lighthouse Tour: Maine is famous for its iconic lighthouses, and you can embark on a lighthouse tour to visit some of these historic structures. From the Portland Head Light to the Pemaquid Point Light, each lighthouse offers a unique glimpse into Maine's maritime heritage.
5. Enjoy Outdoor Activities in the Lakes and Mountains: Maine's lakes and mountains provide ample opportunities for outdoor adventures. Go hiking in the scenic Baxter State Park or the Rangeley Lakes region, enjoy fishing or boating in Moosehead Lake, or go skiing and snowboarding in popular winter destinations like Sunday River or Sugarloaf Mountain.