State Name origin - It is really not known how the name for this state originated. One theory suggests that the state was named by French colonists after the French province of Mayne. Another mentions that "Main" was a common term to describe a mainland.

Nickname - The Pine Tree State: This common nickname for Maine is given because of the extensive pine forests that have covered the state. The White Pine is considered to be the largest conifer in the northeastern United States and some of the tallest trees in eastern North America grew in Maine. The White Pine has played an important part in the history of Maine and has been afforded appropriate recognition. In the early days of colonization, the tall White Pines of Maine were valued for ship's masts.

Residents - People who live in or come from Maine are called Mainers. Variants of this are Maine Staters and State of Mainers. You may also hear Mainers referred to as Down Easters (because of the eastern longitudes of the state).

Official State Symbols

•Animal - Moose
•Berry - Wild Blueberry
•Bird - Chickadee
•Drink - Moxie
•Cat - Maine Coon Cat
•Fish - Landlocked Salmon
•Herb - Wintergreen
•Insect - Honeybee
•Soil - Chesuncook Soil Series
•Song - State of Maine Song
•Tree - White Pine


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by vaxvms edited by sashwa
last modified: 2006-11-18 11:33:22