Highways:
Interstate 95 (I-95) travels through Maine. In addition, U.S. Route 1 (US 1) starts in Fort Kent and travels to Florida. The eastern terminus of the eastern section of US 2 starts in Houlton, near the New Brunswick, Canada border to Rouses Point, New York, at US 11.
Rail:
The Downeaster passenger train, operated by Amtrak, provides passenger service between Brunswick and Boston’s North Station, with stops in Freeport, Portland, Old Orchard Beach, Saco, and Wells. The Downeaster makes five daily trips, three of which continue past Portland to Brunswick.
Flag of Maine:
The flag of the state of Maine features the state coat of arms on a blue field. In the center of the shield, a moose rests under a tall pine tree. A farmer and seaman represent the traditional reliance on agriculture and the sea by the state. The North Star represents the state motto: Dirigo (“I Lead”).
There are no official colors for the coat of arms, so variations in coloration can be seen in flags from different manufacturers. The blue field, however, is specified to be the same blue as in the flag of the United States. According to the official description, the flag should have a fringe of yellow silk and should have a blue and white silk cord attached at the spearhead. These embellishments are very rarely observed.
Originally, the 1901 Maine Flag consisted of a green pine tree, Native symbol of New England and freedom, in the center, with a blue “North Star”, all on a buff-colored background.
The Maine legislature approved the current flag on February 23, 1909.
State Nickname:
Maine’s official nickname is “The Pine Tree State.”
The pine tree is featured on Maine’s flag, seal, and quarter. Also, the white pine is the state tree, and the white pine cone and tassel is the state floral emblem of Maine. These choices make great sense given that over 75% of the area of Maine is forested with pines being a dominant species in the forest.
