Maine ( The Pine Tree State ) Maine used to be a French territory and its name comes from the French province of the same name. The largest of the New England states in area, Maine, in 1820, was the 23rd state to join the Union. The most sparsely populated state east of the Mississippi River is appropriately called the "Pine Tree State", as 90 percent of its land is forest. Maine forms the northeastern corner of the United States. West Quoddy Head is the country's easternmost piece of land. Along the famous rock-bound coast of Maine are lighthouses, sandy beaches, quiet fishing villages and thousands of offshore islands. Jagged rocks and cliffs, and thousands of bays and inlets add to the rugged beauty of Maine's coast. Inland, there are sparkling lakes, rushing rivers, green forests and towering mountains. Maine's Acadia National Park is the only national park in New England. Some of the famous celebrities that were born in Maine include: Judd Nelson, The Flag of Maine Entered the Union in 1820 as the 23rd State; flag adopted in 1909. The motto refers to the North Star, Maine having once been the Northernmost State. Agriculture, shipping, and forestry are symbolized by other elements in the coat of arms.   Largest Cities in the State (2000) Portland, 64,249; Lewiston, 35,690; Bangor, 31,473; South Portland, 23,324; Auburn, 23,203; Brunswick town, 21,172; Biddeford, 20,942; Sanford town, 20,806; Augusta, 18,560; Scarborough town, 16,970   Business and Trade in Maine Agriculture: Seafood, poultry and eggs, potatoes, dairy products, cattle, blueberries, apples. Industries: Paper, lumber, and wood products, electric equipment, food processing, leather products, textiles, tourism. State Symbols and Emblems Bird: Chickadee Flower: White pine cone and tassel (pinus strobus, linnaeus) Tree: Eastern White Pine Song(s): State Song of Maine Motto: Dirigo (I Direct) Maine Travel - Vacation Destinations & Recreation National parks and historic locations suitable for family vacations or day trips. • Sunkhaze Meadows National Wildlife Refuge - Old Town • Saint Croix Island International Historic Site - Bar Harbor • Wells National Estuarine Research Reserve - Wells • Acadia National Park - Bar Harbor • Aroostook National Wildlife Refuge - Limestone

Capital: Augusta     Local Weather  Statehood: 1820-03-15  Population: 1,274,923 (41.3 mi2)   Geographic Area (mi2)     Total 35,384.65     Water 4,523.10     Land 30,861.55     Rank 39th Largest   State Education:     Pub & Prv Schools     College & University     Libraries   Border States: New Hampshire   Health Information:     Illicit Drug Use     Youth Risk Survey   Housing: In Maine, there are 651,901 housing units, averaging to 21.1 per sq mile.   Related Magazines:     Down East     Maine Boats & Harbors   Posters and Artwork Refections of Fall Foliage and Birch Trees in Pond, Acadia National Park, Maine, USA Photographic Print 18" x 24" • Ram Island Lighthouse, Portland, Maine Pre-Matted Print 11" x 14" • Birdwatching Along the Mousam River, Rachel Carson National Wildlife Refuge, Maine, USA Photographic Print 24" x 18" • Postcard Folder, Maine Pre-Matted Print 11" x 14" • Lobster Boats in Stonington Harbor, Maine, USA Photographic Print 24" x 18" • Potato Field, Maine Art Print 17" x 11"