in Aroostook County incorporated in 1859. European settlers awaited the conclusion of the northern boundary dispute with Canada before arriving in force in 1843. Home to the Nylander Museum of Natural History, Caribou’s depends significantly on the potato industry. See photos.
was abolished in 1876, restored in 1883, and abolished again in 1887, although attempts to restore it have continued to the present. (Michigan was the first state to do so, in 1847.) Nevertheless, Maine has one of the lowest murder rates in the United States, while large “death penalty states” such as Texas and California…
in Cumberland County, first settled by Europeans in the 1630’s, incorporated in 1765. The clipper ship Snow Squall was built here in 1851. A wealthy suburb of Portland, it has a scenic coastline; attractions include lighthouses at Two Lights State Park, Crescent Beach State Park, Fort Williams, and Portland Head Light. See photos.
village in Oxford County, incorporated in 1821, overlooks Lake Anasagunticook at the junction of Rts. 108 and 140. The Androscoggin River winds through the town just north of the village. The historical society, old railroad station and masonic building grace this residential, agricultural community. See video and photos.
Canoe trips can range from several days in the Allagash Wilderness Waterway or on the Androscoggin, Kennebec, or Penobscot Rivers, to pleasant day trips often close to home. Here are few samples of accessible canoeing in Maine. (Click the film strips.) Also visit our partners in Maine Rivers and Ridge for more canoe trips and…
in Somerset County, incorporated in 1788, though settlement began in 1803 when mills were erected on Wesserunset Stream. Lake George and Sibley Pond, the source of Carrabassett Stream, are popular summer recreation and winter ice-fishing attractions. See video and photos.
The village, at the foot of Mt. Battie, is at Camden Harbor on Penobscot Bay and U.S. Route 1. In 1880 the first summer cottages were built and and a flood of seasonal and semi-permanent residents began. The Opera House hosts many cultural events, including the Camden Conference and the Camden Film Festival. Edna St. Vincent Millay graduated from high school here. See video and photos.
in Somerset County, settled in 1804, incorporated in 1834 and named for Cambridge, England, the town is divided from neighboring Ripley by Main Stream, a tributary of the Sebasticook River. The village and grange hall are at the eastern end of Cambridge Pond. See photos.
in eastern, coastal Washington County and named for the French port, was briefly settled in 1604 when a French expedition arrived on St. Croix Island. Today it features late 19th century historic brick structures, modern state and federal buildings, and a visitor center. Home to Washington County Community College. See video and photos.
The Black-capped Chickadee is the State of Maine’s official bird. Actually, the law only refers to the “chickadee,” but there are other species. This 5 inch bird inhabits the northern half of the United States and southern Canada. In addition to the familiar chicka-dee-dee call, its song, sounding like hey-sweetie or fee-bee-bee, is less associated with…
These large, black birds are found in Maine primarily along the coast, on rocky shores, on ledges, and swimming in the water. “Cormorant” is derived from two latin words that mean “sea crow,” but this bird is not actually associated with the crow family of birds. This double-crested cormorant (typically 32 inches long with a…
These birds are colorful members of the finch family. The male is well known for its bright red coat, and the female has tinges of red on her fine brownish feathers. At 8-9 inches, they sport a distinctive tuft atop their heads. Both males and females wear a black “mask” around their eyes. Cardinals are…
Established in 1938, Chimney Pond campground, one of the “backcountry” sites in Baxter State Park, is a 3.3 mile hike from Roaring Brook campground, the location for nearest automobile access. It has its own ranger station, lean-tos and one bunkhouse, but no showers. This spot offers the best and closest access to the east side…
Mount Battie and the picturesque stone mountain tower, located in Camden, are rich in legend and history. In 1897, Columbus Bushwell, a Camden resident, built a carriage road to the top of the mountain. Today this old carriage road is part of the 25-mile hiking trail system in Camden Hills State Park. In 1898, Mr.…
As the graphs below indicate, both violent and non-violent crime have been decreasing in frequency since 1980, with a slight increase since 2005. The number of crimes in 2013, compared to the 1980 figures, declined 22% for violent offenses and 36% for property offenses. See also Crime, Weapons. The Maine Department of Public Safety summarizes…
This inventory of the nearly 70 Medal recipients from Maine is a duplicate of that in a published congressional compilation. Likewise, some minor misspelling and other errors are duplicated from the official government volume. These likely were the result of the original transcriptions. See a similar inventory for post-Civil War recipients, and see a summary…
This inventory of the 27 Medal recipients for Maine is a duplicate of that in a published congressional compilation. Likewise, some minor misspelling and other errors are duplicated from the official government volume. These likely were the result of the original transcriptions. See a similar inventory for Civil War recipients, and see a summary of…
Letter to President Lincoln from Secretary of War Edwin M. Stanton recommeding that Joshua L. Chamberlain be appointed Brigadier General “for gallant and meritorious conduct in leading his Brigade against the enemy at Peterburg, Virginia where he was dangerously wounded . . . .”
Basket Island, Cumberland. 9 acres of mixed forest and shell and gravel beaches. Osprey nest on nearby ledges. Watch out for abundant poison ivy. Popular picnic spot. Managed by The Nature Conservancy. Bay Bridge Landing, Brunswick. A six-acre wetland park with a trail and interpretive signs, this area off Bay Bridge Road features osprey and…
Home to Sugarloaf Mountain and its ski area, it has many related seasonal homes. The population has exploded in the latest census decade. A “ski academy” and a small airport are two enterprises based on the skiing economy. The Appalachian Trail passes north-south through the community along the western side of North and South Crocker Mountains. See video and photos.