MAINE
Maine State Information
Nickname(s):
Motto(s): Dirigo (Latin for “I Lead” or “I Direct”)
State song(s): State of Maine Song
Capital: A
Largest City: Portland, Maine
Admitted to US: 3/15/1820 23rd State
Brief History of Maine
Here are a few interesting facts:
The Vikings are believed to have discovered Maine 1000 years ago.
The state has voted for the successful president since 1952, earning itself the phrase “As Maine Goes, so goes the Nation.”
Most lobsters in the United States are harvested here and produce 90% of the Nation’s toothpicks.
The first naval battle in the Revolutionary War was fought off the coast.
The first veteran’s hospital in the US was founded here in 1866.
It has the lowest crime rate in the United States and the 3rd lowest illegal immigrant population.
The Pemaquid Point Lighthouse was built in 1827 and is just outside Bristol.
Some notable people include Judd Nelson (actor), Milton Bradley (company founder), Patrick Dempsey (actor), Stephen King (writer), Henry Wadsworth Longfellow (poet), and many others.
Interesting Stories
Nelson Rockefeller was born in Bar Harbor. He was the grandson of John D Rockefeller Sr., the founder of Standard Oil. Nelson managed Chase National Bank, the Rockefeller Center, and several other businesses. He worked as Assistant Secretary of State for Franklin D Roosevelt. From 1959 through 1973, he was Governor of New York. He ran in the Republican Primary for president three times and failed to secure the party nomination. Despite setbacks in his political career, he finally reached the White House in 1974 as vice president under President Gerald Ford.
Chester Greenwood was born, raised, and died in Farmington, Maine. At the age of only 15, he invented ear muffs. He went on to patent and produced them, selling around 400,000 per year and providing jobs for the people of his hometown for nearly 60 years. He was described as a human dynamo and ran a mile a day until he died at 75. His workaholic reputation dissuaded several workers from accepting promotions because they felt they couldn’t keep up with the boss. In 1977, Maine declared December 21 as “Chester Greenwood Day.” It is still celebrated with a parade on the first Saturday of each December.