Maine may be famous for its lobster, lighthouses, and blueberries, but did you know it’s also home to the U.S.’s first city? Or that Eastport is the first place in the U.S. to see the sun rise each morning? Here are 9 interesting Maine firsts that you may not have known about – but definitely should!

9. The first sawmill in the U.S. was built in Maine in 1623.
The B’s/Flickr
Mills have played an important role in the state’s industrial history.
8. Machias was the site of the first naval battle of the Revolutionary War in 1775.
Flickr/ Alan Grinberg
And many Revolutionary War soldiers lived in the town of Norway.
7. In 2012, Maine, Maryland, and Washington simultaneously became the first states to legalize same-sex marriage by popular vote.
Flickr/ Chris H
That’s a lot of romance celebrated here!
6. Eastport, Maine is the easternmost city in the entire country. That means it's the first place to see the sun rise each morning!
Flickr/ Brian Johnson & Dane Kant
So, we guess that this counts as one of the things Maine was the first to do? Sure, why not?

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5. Maine is home to Togus, the first Veteran hospital in the country. It was founded in 1866.
Wikipedia/ Public Events
We salute you, beloved Maine Veterans.
4. In 2015, Maine became the first state to offer scholarships to middle schoolers to join a virtual international space station through the Space Station Academy.
Flickr/ NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center
Through the program, they get to be part of simulated space missions where they do doubt get to do some awesome stargazing! How cool!
3. Maine was the first state to make it legal for individuals to import prescription drugs.
Jamie/Flickr
The bill passed in 2013, and has allowed residents to save up to 90% on the cost of medicine. How’s that as part of these fun facts about Maine!
2. In 1607, the first ship ever built by English colonists in the U.S. was built here.
Flickr/ Eric Behrens
It was built along the Kennebec River in what is now Phippsburg.
1. York became the first chartered city in the U.S. in 1641.
Wikipedia/ Public Domain
In 1642, it became the country's first incorporated city. Wow!

Did you know about any of these interesting Maine firsts? If so, which ones? Do you know of any other things Maine did first?  We’d love to read your comments below!

For more Maine facts, check out this article about beautiful House Island.

If you’re still in the mood for more Maine adventures, take a look at this video about Acadia National Park:

 

 

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More to Explore

More to love about Maine

Lysa Allman-Baldwin | June 12, 2023

Where can we find hiking trails in Maine?

  • The Cascade Stream Gorge Trail in Sandy River Plantation is part of the 50-acre Cascade Stream Gorge Conservation Area.
  • The Ocean Path Trail in Acadia National Park offers spectacular view of both the park’s forest and coastline areas.
  • The Step Falls Trail in Newry takes you to the base of what are some of the highest waterfalls in Maine.

Read on to learn more about some of the many other beautiful hiking trails in Maine.

Where can we find small towns in Maine?

  • Presque Isle is popular with Maine residents for many reasons, including its great snowmobiling in the winter.
  • Jackman is the place to go if you enjoy spectacular mountains and beautiful lakes.
  • Camden is a harbor town popular for its art galleries, shopping, dining, and more.

Read on to learn more about some of the many other charming small towns in Maine.

Where can we find beaches in Maine?

  • Crescent Beach located at Crescent Beach State Park in Cape Elizabeth offers a beautiful beach and hiking trails.
  • Old Orchard Beach in the town of the same name is one of the most popular beaches in Maine during the summer months.
  • Ferry Beach located at Ferry Beach State Park in Saco features spectacular beauty and trails that lead right to the shore.

Read on to learn more about some of the many other spectacular beaches in Maine.

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