Maine

Maine

Maine is the northernmost and largest New England state. It is the only state bordered on three sides by Canada. It is bordered by the Canadian provinces of Quebec to the northwest and New Brunswick to the north and east. It is also bordered by New Hampshire to the southwest and the Atlantic Ocean to the southeast. Maine is both the northernmost and easternmost portion of New England. Eastport is the easternmost city in the United States. Maine is nicknamed the "Pine Tree State" because of its beautiful white pine forests. The pine is used as a symbol in the state's seal, flag, flower, and tree. Maine's name comes from an ancient French province of the same name. Also, early explorers called the region "The Main," a shortened form of the word "mainland," to distinguish it from nearby islands.

Thirteen years before the Pilgrims arrived at Massachusetts, the English established a colony in an area that is now part of the state. However, a severe winter forced most of the settlers back to England in 1608. Augusta, Maine's capital, was built where Pilgrims set up a trading post in 1628. The state was part of Massachusetts for about 200 years before it entered the Union as the 23rd state.

Water, including lakes, rivers, the Atlantic Ocean, islands, inlets, and harbors, also makes up part of Maine's landscape. The power of the state's rivers and waterfalls is used to provide electricity to its industries. Industry makes up an important part of Maine's economy. Commercial fishing is important to the state; more lobsters are caught in Maine than in any other state. Maine is famous for its rugged coastline.

The University of Maine at Farmington was Maine's first public higher learning institution founded in 1864. The University of Maine at Farmington offers the same small, private college advantages with small class sizes at much lower cost.

List of colleges and universities in Maine

Official Website of the State of Maine

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