| Maine
. . .
Maine's official flag was adopted
in 1909. The flag has a deep
blue field with the state coat
of arms in the center. The coat
of arms pictures a farmer and
a seaman which represents the
agricultural and maritime industries
of Maine. A shield is between
them, upon which is a pine tree
and a moose which is the state
animal of Maine. There is green
grass, a blue sky, and deep
blue water. Above this is a
yellow star which represents
the North Star. Maine was the
northernmost state when it entered
the Union. There is red ribbon
that reads, "DIRIGO,"
which means "I direct"
in Latin. Also a large blue
ribbon reads, "MAINE."
became the 23rd state on March
15, 1820. The capital city is
Augusta and largest city Portland.
Maine is the largest of the
New England states and is located
in the top northeastern corner
of the United States.
Maine is known to be one of
the most beautiful and interesting
states in the nation and its
natural beauty makes it a very
special place to live. The landscape
of Maine was formed during the
Ice Age when a massive glacier
cut the coastline into hundreds
of inlets, bays, and harbors.
The receding ice sheet also
formed the rocky islands found
off the coast of Maine. Maine
has more than 6,000 lakes and
ponds, 32,000 miles of rivers
and streams, 17 million acres
of forest land, 3470 miles of
coastline, and 2,000 islands.
Only a small part of Maine's
soil is suitable for crops because
more than four fifths of the
state is covered with forests.
It is nicknamed the "Pine
Tree State". Because of
the many forests paper, allied
products, lumber and wood products
and the two major industries.
Maine has over 3,500 miles of
coastline and is famous for
its fine seafood due to all
the cool, clear waters which
provide the perfect environment.
Maine's blueberry crop is the
largest in the nation, raising
98% of the blueberries in the
United States.
Maine was rated #1 in the nation
for raising children because
of its excellent educational
system and low crime and it
has been recently rated as one
of the most livable states in
the nation. Maine has natural
beauty, endless recreational,
great business opportunities,
low commute time and minimal
traffic, clean air and water,
and friendly people. The cost
of living in Maine is the lowest
average of all the New England
states.
Summers here are generally
moderate with averages in the
70's, while winters are cold
and snowy and average highs
in the 20's.. In the higher
elevations winters are harsh
and snow is very heavy. Fall
is Maine's most beautiful season,
with great fall colors. Annual
statewide precipitation averages
near 45 inches, with slightly
higher amounts along the coastline,
and the mountains.
Maine has 16 counties:
Androscoggin
Aroostook Cumberland
Franklin Hancock
Kennebec Knox
Lincoln Oxford Penobscot
Piscataquis
Sagadahoc Somerset Waldo
Washington
York
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state - Maine