March 15, 1820 Following the Revolution, frontier settlers who resented being ruled from Boston pressed for separation from Massachusetts. Coastal merchants, who held the balance of political power at the time, resisted the separation movement until the War of 1812 showed that Massachusetts was unable or unwilling to provide adequate protection fr the people of the district against British raids. With popular sentiment unified behind statehood, the seperation movement went forward. Congress established Maine as the 23rd state under the Missouri Compromise of 1820. This arrangement allowed Maine to join the Union as a free state, with Missouri entering a year late as a slave state, thereby preserving the numerical balance between free and slave states in the nation.

Moose The moose is the largest member of the deer family in the world. In North America it is found in wooded areas of Canada and the northern United States. Maximum size of a bull may stand more than 6 ft high at the shoulder and weigh more than 1400 lbs. The males bare enormous , broud, flattened antlers with prongs, or tines which can attain a spread of 5ft or more. The antlers are shed each year after the mating season. Moose generally are solitary, although they may form into small bands in winter and trample down the snow where good cover exists, making a moose yard where the animals stay while the food lasts.

Wild Blueberry Wild blueberries are harvested from late July to early September in Maine. Harvesting is still mainly by hand rake - a close-tined special RAKE invented about 112 years ago by local Downeaster, Abijah Tabbutt and modified in minor variations since then. The secret is in the wielding of the rake - a special pushing and twisting motion of the wrists designed to tease the ripe berries from their grasp of the vine without crushing. Hand-raking is increasingly being replaced by mechanized harvesting. Although the technology is getting very good, hand-raking will always have its place - due ina large part to the hilly and rocky terrain that a lot of wild blueberry patches are found on.

Chickadee Recognized in 1927 as the official state bird, The Blacked-capped Chickadee does not migrate and is a common sight in the woods and in backyard bird feeders in the state throughout the year.

Augusta Incorporated first as Harrington, Augusta formally changed its name June 9, 1797. The town was designated the capital of Maine in 1827 and was incorporated as a city in 1849. Augusta is also recognized as the population center of the state.

Maine Coon Cat Known for it long, flowing coat and intelligence, the Maine Coon is one of the most popular breeds of cat in the world. The origins of this cat are unknown and are linked to legends surronding notable figures of history such as, Marie Antoinette, Captain Charles Coon, and the Vikings.

Landlocked Salmon The Landlocked Salmon, a subspecies of the Atlantic salmon, live in the lakes and rivers of Maine without ever descending into the ocean. Landlocked salmon attain a maximum weight of about 35 lbs and is one of the most sought after prizes for both professional and amateur fishermen alike.

The coat of arms of the State of Maine is placed on a blue field fo the same shade of blue in the flag of the United States and was adopted by the Legislature of 1909. The state seal that rests in the middle of the flag is a shield adorned with a image of a moose resting in a field bordered by ocean and forest with a pine tree directly behind. On either side of the shield, a farmer rests on his scythe, and a sailor leans on an anchor. Above is the motto "Dirigo" meaning "I lead", and an image of the North Star Polaris. Below the shield is a banner that reads "Maine". In 1919 the legislature made it law that the design of the seal should no longer vary, and it is still used today.

Pine Cone and Tassle Adopted by the Legislature of 1895 and the state flower of Maine, the White Pine is considered to be the largest conifer in the Northeastern United States.

Tourmaline Tourmaline is classified as a semi-precious stone and the gem comes in a wide variety of colors. Discovered in the state in 1822, tourmaline was mined heavily in the state and in the early 1900's Maine was one of the world's largest producers of the gem.

Mount Katahdin Mount Katahdin was protected by Governor Percival Baxter in the 1930's as the centerpiece of Baxter State Park. As the northern terminus of the Appalachian Trail, Katahdin inspires hikers and photographers as a symbol of state and climbing the peak is often deemed as a right-of-passage for many Mainers.

Honey Bee The honeybee was recognized as the official state insect of Maine in 1975 because of the importance of the species' pollination techniques to Maine's agriculture.

1,274,923 (38th among states)

"State of Maine Song" words and music by Roger Vinton Snow Grand State of Maine, proudly we sing To tell your glories to the land To shout your praises till the echoes ring Should fate unkind send us to roam The scent of the fragrant pines, The tang of the salty sea will call us home. Oh, Pine Tree State Your woods, fields and hills Your lakes, streams and rockbound coast Will ever fill our hearts with thrills And tho' we seek far and wide Our search will be in vain To find a fairer spot on earth Than Maine! Maine! Maine!