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Originally part of Massachusetts, the area was the scene of the first naval battle of the Revolutionary War in 1775 when American patriots captured a British ship off the Maine coast.

Later that same year, the Redcoats reasserted themselves by burning Falmouth to the ground.

Maine finally emerged from the shadow of Massachusetts when it entered the union as the 23rd state in 1820.

Today, Maine continues to thrive as an agricultural region famous for its lumber industry, blueberries, potatoes... and fresh-caught lobsters off the Atlantic coast. As a vacation area, summer is the high season as tourists from around New York and New England take to Maine's seacoast beaches and cool inland mountain and lake resort areas.

Major attractions include Bar Harbor, and Acadia National Park, the Kennebec and Moose River Valleys, Portland and nearby Casco Bay, and outdoor sports activities in the Maine Highlands.

Kid-friendly Portland

Get freshly acquainted with Portland on board the amphibious Downeast Duck Tour for a 1-hour grand tour of historical Portland as well as a plunge into Casco Bay!

For kids of all ages, head downtown to catch an afternoon of coastal whale watching or, for a more relaxing yet fun trip, make your way to the Portland Headlight Museum and Park (the state's oldest) located at Cape Elizabeth. Don't forget to pack a picnic lunch for dining al fresco beside spectacular ocean views at nearby Fort Williams Park.