Maine is in the northeastern U.S., part of New England. It borders New Hampshire, the Gulf of Maine, and Canada (New Brunswick and Quebec). Maine is the largest New England state and the 12th smallest in the U.S. It’s also the 9th least populated and the most rural. Augusta is the capital, while Portland, with 68,408 residents in 2020, is the largest city. Indigenous peoples have lived in Maine for about 12,000 years. The French founded the first European settlement in 1604 on Saint Croix Island. The English followed in 1607, establishing the Popham Colony. More settlements appeared along the coast in the 1620s. However, harsh conditions and conflicts with Indigenous peoples led many to fail. By the 18th century, only six remained. During the American Revolution, Maine saw conflicts between loyalists and Patriots. In the War of 1812, British forces occupied eastern Maine but soon withdrew. Maine was part of Massachusetts until 1820 when it became the 23rd state under the Missouri Compromise. Today, Maine is known for its rugged coastlines, mountains, and forests. Its cuisine, especially wild blueberries, lobster, and clams, is also famous. Areas around the coast and Down East Maine are becoming creative economy hubs, particularly near Portland, leading to gentrification.