Celebrating a Century of Scholastic Journalism Education

JEA Centennial

CELEBRATING A CENTURY OF SCHOLASTIC JOURNALISM EDUCATION
Celebrating a Century of Scholastic Journalism Education

JEA Centennial

Celebrating a Century of Scholastic Journalism Education

JEA Centennial

Our 100 lists of 100: Maine

Photo+by+Mercedes+Mehling+%2F+Unsplash
Photo by Mercedes Mehling / Unsplash

The 23rd state of Maine takes the stage today as our featured state.

Our 100 lists of 100

1. Maine became the 23rd state of the United States on March 15, 1820.
2. It is the easternmost state in the U.S., known for its nickname “The Pine Tree State.”
3. The capital of Maine is Augusta.
4. The largest city in Maine is Portland.
5. Maine is the only state that shares its border with only one other state, New Hampshire.
6. Acadia National Park, located in Maine, was the first national park east of the Mississippi River.
7. Maine is known for its rocky coastline, picturesque lighthouses, and lobster industry.
8. The state’s official animal is the moose.
9. The official state bird is the black-capped chickadee.
10. Portland Head Light in Cape Elizabeth is one of the most photographed lighthouses in the world.
11. Maine is the leading producer of wild blueberries in the United States.
12. The Appalachian Trail, one of the longest continuous footpaths in the world, ends at Mount Katahdin in Baxter State Park, Maine.
13. Maine has more coastline than any other state except for Alaska.
14. Bar Harbor, a popular tourist destination, is located on Mount Desert Island.
15. The state flower is the white pine cone and tassel.
16. Maine is the only state with a one-syllable name.
17. The Allagash Wilderness Waterway is a designated National Wild and Scenic River.
18. L.L.Bean, the popular outdoor retailer, was founded in Freeport, Maine.
19. The state’s official insect is the honeybee.
20. Maine is the only state that shares its border with only one other state, New Hampshire.
21. The state is famous for its autumn foliage, attracting visitors for vibrant fall colors.
22. The world’s largest lobster sculpture, made of concrete and steel, is located in Shediac, Maine.
23. The city of Bangor is known as the “Queen City of the East.”
24. Maine’s official state beverage is Moxie, a carbonated beverage with a distinct flavor.
25. The Penobscot Narrows Bridge is home to the tallest bridge observatory in the world.
26. Stephen King, the renowned author, resides in Bangor, Maine.
27. Maine has over 6,000 lakes and ponds.
28. The official state tree is the eastern white pine.
29. The state’s highest peak is Mount Katahdin, reaching an elevation of 5,269 feet.
30. The Desert of Maine, located in Freeport, is a natural phenomenon caused by soil erosion.
31. The Maine Coon cat is one of the largest domesticated cat breeds and originated in the state.
32. Maine’s official state soil is Chesuncook soil.
33. Portland, Maine, has a vibrant food scene and is known for its seafood, including lobster rolls.
34. The state has a relatively low population density, contributing to its rural and scenic landscapes.
35. The state’s official soft drink is Moxie.
36. Maine’s motto is “Dirigo,” which means “I direct” or “I lead.”
37. The state is known for its seafood festivals, celebrating lobster, clams, and other marine delicacies.
38. The Rangeley Lakes region is popular for fishing, boating, and outdoor activities.
39. Maine is home to the International Cryptozoology Museum in Portland, dedicated to the study of hidden or unknown animals.
40. The state has the largest commercial wild blueberry industry in the world.
41. The Maine Maritime Academy in Castine is a leading institution for maritime education.
42. Moosehead Lake is the largest lake in Maine, covering over 74,000 acres.
43. The Maine State Music Theatre in Brunswick is one of the oldest continuously operated summer theaters in the U.S.
44. The state’s official crustacean is the lobster.
45. Maine is the only state that shares its border with only one other state, New Hampshire.
46. The town of York is home to the Nubble Light, one of the most photographed lighthouses in the U.S.
47. The state’s official fossil is the pertica quadrifaria, a type of trilobite.
48. The annual Maine Lobster Festival attracts visitors from around the world.
49. The state is known for its delicious clam chowder, often served with fresh seafood.
50. The Maine State House in Augusta features a dome covered in copper imported from the Aroostook County.
51. The state’s official herb is wintergreen.
52. Maine is the only state with a non-contiguous land area, due to the presence of islands along its coast.
53. The Arctic explorer Robert E. Peary was born in Cresson, Maine.
54. The state’s official mineral is tourmaline, and it comes in various colors.
55. The Rachel Carson National Wildlife Refuge in Wells is named after the famous marine biologist and environmentalist.
56. The largest fort in Maine, Fort Knox, is located in Prospect.
57. The state’s official state cat is the Maine Coon.
58. Maine is home to several notable lighthouses, including the West Quoddy Head Light, the easternmost lighthouse in the U.S.
59. The Maine State Library in Augusta was established in 1836.
60. The state’s official treat is the whoopie pie.
61. The Penobscot River is the longest river entirely in Maine.
62. The town of Camden is famous for its picturesque harbor and sailing opportunities.
63. Maine has a tradition of shipbuilding, and Bath Iron Works is a major shipyard.
64. The state’s official soil is the Chesuncook soil.
65. The Portland Museum of Art showcases a diverse collection of visual arts.
66. The Portland Observatory is the only remaining maritime signal tower in the U.S.
67. The Maine Historical Society Museum in Portland features exhibits on the state’s history and culture.
68. The state’s official state song is “State of Maine Song.”
69. The University of Maine in Orono is the flagship institution of the University of Maine System.
70. The Wiggly Bridge in York is known for its unusual design and has been featured in Ripley’s Believe It or Not.
71. The state’s official state treat is the whoopie pie.
72. Maine is known for its picturesque coastal islands, such as Mount Desert Island and Monhegan Island.
73. The Gulf of Maine is one of the most productive marine ecosystems in the world.
74. The Rufus Porter Museum in Bridgton celebrates the life and work of the artist, inventor, and founder of Scientific American magazine.
75. The state’s official state gemstone is tourmaline.
76. Maine’s official state game bird is the ruffed grouse.
77. The town of Bath is known for its historic shipyard and the Maine Maritime Museum.
78. Maine has a strong maritime heritage, with a history of shipbuilding and seafaring.
79. The Maine Children’s Home for Little Wanderers, founded in 1899, is one of the oldest child welfare organizations in the U.S.
80. The state’s official state herb is wintergreen.
81. Maine is the only state with a blueberry pie in its state legislation.
82. The Maine Narrow Gauge Railroad Company & Museum in Portland preserves and operates historic narrow-gauge trains.
83. The Aroostook War, also known as the Pork and Beans War, was a bloodless boundary dispute between Maine and New Brunswick in 1838-1839.
84. The Skowhegan State Fair, established in 1818, is one of the oldest continuous agricultural fairs in the U.S.
85. The state’s official state cat is the Maine Coon.
86. The Maine State Aquarium in Boothbay Harbor showcases marine life from the Gulf of Maine.
87. The town of Bar Harbor is a gateway to Acadia National Park and a popular cruise ship destination.
88. The state’s official state pie is the blueberry pie.
89. Maine is known for its vibrant autumn foliage, attracting tourists from around the world.
90. The state’s official state mineral is tourmaline.
91. The International Appalachian Trail extends into Maine and connects with trails in Canada and Europe.
92. The state’s official state game fish is the landlocked salmon.
93. The Marginal Way in Ogunquit is a scenic coastal trail with breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean.
94. The state’s official state fossil is the pertica quadrifaria, a type of trilobite.
95. Maine is the leading producer of lobster in the United States.
96. The town of Rockland is known for its annual Maine Lobster Festival.
97. The Maine State Police was established in 1925, making it one of the oldest state police agencies in the U.S.
98. Maine is home to numerous ski resorts, including Sunday River and Sugarloaf.
99. The state’s official state fish is the landlocked salmon.
100. Maine has a strong maritime tradition, and lobstering is a significant part of its coastal economy.

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