A beautiful state, with Appalachian Mountains extending through the state, western rugged terrain, long sandy beaches on the southern coast, with a rocky northern coast. Its climate is temperate, with cool short summers and long cold winters where in many places over 100 inches of snow fall regularly. Manufacturing, fishing, trade and forestry are the primary industries of this 23rd state of the union. First explored by Cabot in 1498 and 1499, the French arrived in 1604 and the English in 1607. By 1691 Maine became part of Massachusetts, and many regiments from the state fought in the American Revolutionary War. By 1820 the state broke off from Massachusetts and became an independent state. Famous "Down Easters" include: Longfellow, Edna St. Vincent Millay and Ben Ames Williams. @
