Maine, USA ? First on Your Holiday List
The first white population settled in Maine in around 1607, thus gaining the area a reputation as the first to be settled by Europeans in North America.
The first very settlers were from Britain and its enemy at that time, France backed the local Indians who kept attacking the settlers to try and drive them out.
Maine suffered very badly during the later revolutionary war, and almost all of its cities were completely destroyed. Maine was declared the 23rd state of the USA in the early 1800’s.
After getting a separate identity, Maine saw a massive economic boom with lots of mining, shipbuilding and other industries arising. Saw mills and water powered factories developed up in its various rivers.
Fishing and farming were of course very important, but due to economic fluctuations these didn’t change much of the state’s economic picture.
Industrial revolution and Civil War further ambushed the economic growth in the late 19th century.
Maine’s industrial growth continued to blossom with electricity production, paper and textile manufacturing units amongst a few.
Potato growing by the Irish immigrants, dairy and large poultry farms took hold.
In the second half of the 20th century, tourism grew and it has made a major contribution into the economic growth of the area.
The largest fort in Maine is of course Fort Knox, which funnily enough never saw any combat.
However it was the HQ of the American forces during the civil war. Its architecture and granite carvings are definitely worth seeing and guided tours are available in summer.
Fort McClary saw wars in the 19th Century and it was reconstructed after every war. Nowadays it is a picnicking retreat.
A thriving Katahdin Iron Works was built in 1843 with a blast furnace that produced raw iron at the rate of 20,000 tons per year and it still exists today as an historic site.
Situated at the mouth of river Pemaquid in Bristol, colonial Pemaquid has artifacts and coins of the 17th and 18th century. The fort has been reconstructed with lots of museum exhibits.
Fort Kent, which exhibits a wooden block house was constructed in 1839. Fishing is popular in the local river adjacent to it and it offers picnic areas and campsites also.
At the Kittery Outlets there are 120 designer stores offering you lots of discounts on your shopping for first class merchandise.
Maine Wildlife Park offers you educational and knowledgeable information about wildlife. Exhibitions and displays are often organized to make the public aware of preservation for the local animals.
L. L. Bean is also surrounded by many designer outlets and is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
The extremely popular Lighthouses attract thousands of visitors each year. They are all over the coastline offering multi-purpose attractions.
Acadia National Park attracts millions of visitors each year. It has over 41,000 acres of rock bound coast line around Mount Desert Island. It offers numerous hiking unspoilt trails and camping facilities are also provided. Inland Fisheries and Wildlife department is responsible for all the interesting programs set up here.
Author: Frederick Williams
Fred W. is offering readers info about Maine and hopes that you will give it a visit. London airport transfers are available 24 hours a day. If you want transport to any UK hotel or a London airport transfer please email them.
Written by Frederick Williams on December 9th, 2008 with
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