Interesting Facts about Maine

• The first European settlers in Maine brought timber in their ships to build houses and were astonished that their new home had its own magnificent forests.
• Because Cushnoc Island in the Kennebec River at Augusta was a navigation hazard, the people there hitched 200 oxen to the island, but they failed to move it an inch.
• Thanksgiving in Maine predated the Pilgrims. The Etchimin Indians celebrated for two weeks in autumn. Their feasts included turkey, cranberries, popcorn, and other familiar delicacies.
• Barney Beal of Beal's Island was a noted strongman who could knock out a horse with one blow and who once bested 15 men in a tavern dispute.
• During the Revolution, 19-year-old Aaron Burr fell in love with Indian Princess Jacataqua; Burr moved on to later fame and notoriety.
• Samuel Francis Smith of Waterville gave the nation "America" ("My Country, 'Tis of Thee"), which many believe should be the national anthem.