March 15, 2022 – Maine

Today, we’re celebrating the state of Maine, which became our 23rd state on this day in 1820. Maine is our 12th smallest state, the 9th least populous, and the most rural state. It’s nicknamed the Pine Tree State, and for good reason! More than 80% of its land is forested or unclaimed. Indiginous people were the only inhabitants for thousands of years. The first French settlement in the area came in 1604. The English attempted to set up several settlements on the coast of Maine in the 1620s,  but the harsh, rugged climate and conflict with local indigenous tribes caused many to fail.
Only half a dozen European settlements survived in Maine in the 18th century. It was part of the Commonwealth of Massachusettes until 1820, when it was granted statehood as part of the Missouri Compromise.
Maine is home to Acadia National Park, the only national park in New England. The Park’s Cadillac Mountain (which I’ve hiked!) is the highest point on the east coast, and from October through March, it’s the first place to see the sunrise in the U.S.
When most people think of Maine, they think of lobster. It represents 75% of the state’s commercial fishery value, and is worth millions of dollars each year. About 80% lobster in the U.S. comes from Maine. There’s even a Lobster Institute at the University of Maine that is dedicated to research and promoting the sustainability of lobster fisheries. Maine is also known for their wild blueberries. The state has more than 40,000 acres of wild blueberries, and is the single largest producer of blueberries in the U.S. Maine’s state animal is the moose, with the state being home to the largest population in the lower 48. An estimated 60,000 – 70,000 moose call Maine home. Learn more here.