The Big List

  • Grand Lake Stream, Maine

    📍 Location & Geography

    Grand Lake Stream is a town located in Washington County, in the state of Maine, United States. The town is nestled in the northeastern part of the country, and it is named after the stream that flows through it. The stream is a significant feature of the town’s geography, providing a natural waterway that has shaped the town’s development and lifestyle.

    🌎 Coordinates

    The geographic coordinates of Grand Lake Stream, Maine, are approximately 45.18 degrees latitude and -67.77 degrees longitude.

    🗺️ Region & Area

    Grand Lake Stream is part of the Down East region of Maine, known for its rugged coastline and dense forests. The town covers a total area of 48.93 square miles, of which 44.58 square miles is land and 4.35 square miles is water.

    👥 Population & Demographics

    As per the United States Census Bureau, the town of Grand Lake Stream had a population of approximately 109 residents as of the 2010 census. The town has a sparse population density due to its vast area and rural nature. The demographic makeup is predominantly white, with a median age of around 60 years.

    🏛️ History

    The town of Grand Lake Stream was incorporated in 1998, making it one of the younger towns in the state of Maine. The area has a rich history of logging and fishing, with the stream being a significant route for transporting logs in the past. The town’s history is closely tied to the outdoor pursuits that the natural environment supports.

    🏞️ Nature & Environment

    Grand Lake Stream is known for its pristine natural environment. The town is surrounded by lush forests, clear lakes, and the stream that gives the town its name. The area is home to a wide variety of wildlife, including deer, moose, and a variety of bird species. The town is also known for its excellent fishing opportunities, particularly for landlocked salmon and smallmouth bass.

    🏫 Education

    Education in Grand Lake Stream is managed by the Maine School Administrative District 77. However, due to the town’s small population, there are no schools located directly within the town. Students typically attend schools in nearby towns and cities.

    🚧 Transportation

    Transportation in Grand Lake Stream is primarily by road, with the town being served by several state and local highways. The nearest major airport is Bangor International Airport, located approximately 100 miles away. The town’s rural location means public transportation options are limited.

    📜 Trivia & Events

    Grand Lake Stream is renowned for its annual Grand Lake Stream Folk Art Festival, which attracts artists and visitors from around the region. The festival showcases a variety of folk art, music, and local cuisine. The town is also home to the Grand Lake Stream Guides Association, a group dedicated to preserving the area’s outdoor heritage.


  • Frenchboro, Maine

    📍 Location & Geography

    Frenchboro is a small town situated in Hancock County, Maine, United States. It is located on Long Island, one of the many islands that dot the Maine coast. The town is surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean, providing it with a maritime climate. The island is mostly forested, with a small village center and harbor.

    🌎 Coordinates

    The geographical coordinates for Frenchboro are 44°15′47″N latitude and 68°20′44″W longitude.

    🗺️ Region & Area

    Frenchboro is part of the New England region in the northeastern United States. The town covers a total area of 12.47 square miles, of which 2.24 square miles is land and 10.23 square miles is water.

    👥 Population & Demographics

    According to the United States Census Bureau, as of 2010, Frenchboro had a population of 61 people. The town is predominantly White, with a small percentage of other races. The median age in Frenchboro is 53.4 years.

    🏛️ History

    Frenchboro was first settled in the 1760s by fishermen and farmers. The town was incorporated in 1857 and named after John French, one of the early settlers. The town’s economy was traditionally based on fishing, farming, and boat building. Over the years, the population has fluctuated, with many residents moving away due to the harsh living conditions and limited job opportunities.

    🏞️ Nature & Environment

    Frenchboro is known for its rugged beauty and rich biodiversity. The island is home to a variety of wildlife, including deer, foxes, and numerous bird species. The surrounding waters are teeming with marine life such as lobsters, clams, and various fish species. The town is also home to the Frenchboro Preserve, a large nature reserve managed by the Maine Coast Heritage Trust.

    🏫 Education

    Education in Frenchboro is managed by the Frenchboro School Department. The town has one school, Frenchboro Elementary School, which serves students from kindergarten through eighth grade. For high school, students typically attend schools on the mainland.

    🚧 Transportation

    Transportation to and from Frenchboro is primarily by ferry, with service provided by the Maine State Ferry Service from Bass Harbor. The town also has a small airstrip, the Frenchboro Airport, for small aircraft. Within the island, transportation is mainly by foot, bicycle, or personal vehicle.

    📜 Trivia & Events

    Every year, Frenchboro hosts the Lobster Festival in August, a popular event that attracts visitors from around the region. The festival features a lobster dinner, local crafts, a road race, and various other activities. The town is also known for its historic lighthouse, which was built in 1857 and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.


  • Franklin, Maine

    📍 Location & Geography

    Franklin is a town located in Hancock County in the state of Maine, United States. The town is situated in the northeastern part of the country. The town is surrounded by a variety of landscapes, including forests, mountains, and water bodies. It is bordered by the towns of Eastbrook and Waltham to the north, Sullivan to the east, and Hancock to the south. The town is known for its picturesque scenery, with the Taunton Bay to the east and the Donnell Pond Public Reserved Land to the west.

    🌎 Coordinates

    The geographic coordinates of Franklin, Maine are approximately 44.58 degrees north latitude and 68.23 degrees west longitude.

    🗺️ Region & Area

    Franklin is part of the New England region in the northeastern United States. It is located in the eastern part of Hancock County. The town covers a total area of 41.18 square miles (106.66 km²), of which 36.80 square miles (95.31 km²) is land and 4.38 square miles (11.34 km²) is water, according to the United States Census Bureau.

    👥 Population & Demographics

    As of the 2010 census, the population of Franklin was 1,483. The town has a diverse age range, with a median age of 44.2 years. The population is predominantly Caucasian, with small percentages of African American, Native American, Asian, and other races.

    🏛️ History

    Franklin was first settled in the late 18th century and was incorporated as a town in 1825. It was named after Benjamin Franklin, one of the Founding Fathers of the United States. The town’s history is deeply rooted in blueberry farming and granite quarrying, which were major economic activities in the past.

    🏞️ Nature & Environment

    Franklin is known for its beautiful natural surroundings. The town is home to the Donnell Pond Public Reserved Land, which offers hiking, camping, and fishing opportunities. The Taunton Bay, located to the east of the town, is a tidal estuary that supports a diverse range of wildlife and is a popular spot for kayaking and bird-watching.

    🏫 Education

    Education in Franklin is administered by the RSU 24 school district. The town is served by the Mountain View School, which provides education for students from kindergarten through eighth grade. High school students typically attend Sumner Memorial High School in the nearby town of Sullivan.

    🚧 Transportation

    Transportation in Franklin is primarily by road, with State Route 182 running through the town. The nearest airport is Hancock County-Bar Harbor Airport, located approximately 15 miles south of the town. There is no public transportation system in Franklin, so residents typically rely on personal vehicles for transportation.

    📜 Trivia & Events

    Franklin is known for its annual Blueberry Harvest Festival, which celebrates the town’s history of blueberry farming. The festival features a blueberry pancake breakfast, a blueberry pie eating contest, and other family-friendly activities. The town is also home to the Franklin Veterans Club, which hosts a variety of community events throughout the year.


  • Eastport, Maine

    📍 Location & Geography

    Eastport is a small city located in Washington County, Maine. It is the easternmost city in the United States and is situated on Moose Island, which lies between Cobscook Bay and Passamaquoddy Bay, adjacent to the Canadian border. The city is characterized by its rugged coastal landscape and picturesque maritime setting.

    🌎 Coordinates

    The geographical coordinates of Eastport, Maine are approximately 44.9062° N latitude and 66.9897° W longitude.

    🗺️ Region & Area

    Eastport is part of the Down East region of Maine, a term that refers to the eastern coastal part of the state. The city covers a total area of 12.34 square miles, 3.63 square miles of which is land and 8.71 square miles is water, according to the United States Census Bureau.

    👥 Population & Demographics

    As of the 2020 Census, the population of Eastport was approximately 1,331. The city’s population is predominantly white, with a small percentage of residents identifying as Hispanic, Asian, or other races. The median age in Eastport is higher than the national average, reflecting a significant senior population.

    🏛️ History

    Eastport was first settled in 1780 and incorporated as a city in 1893. It has a rich maritime history, with shipbuilding and fishing being major industries in the past. During the 19th century, Eastport was the world’s leading sardine canning center. The city’s historical district, with its numerous well-preserved 19th-century buildings, is a testament to its vibrant past.

    🏞️ Nature & Environment

    Eastport is surrounded by the natural beauty of the Maine coastline. The city is home to the Shackford Head State Park, which offers hiking trails and panoramic views of Cobscook Bay. The area is also known for its diverse wildlife, including deer, moose, and a variety of seabirds. Whale watching is a popular activity, with several species of whales frequently seen in the nearby waters.

    🏫 Education

    Education in Eastport is overseen by the Eastport School Department. The city has one elementary school, the Eastport Elementary School, and one high school, the Shead High School. The city is also in close proximity to the University of Maine at Machias, offering higher education opportunities.

    🚧 Transportation

    Eastport is served by the Eastport Municipal Airport, offering general aviation services. The city is also accessible by road via U.S. Route 190 and Maine State Route 9. Additionally, Eastport has a deep-water port, which is the closest U.S. port to Europe and a significant asset for the city’s economy.

    📜 Trivia & Events

    Eastport is known for its annual 4th of July celebration, which is one of the largest in Maine. The city also hosts the annual Salmon Festival, celebrating the local salmon farming industry. A fun fact about Eastport is that it is the first place in the United States to see the sunrise from October 7 to March 6 due to its easternmost location.


  • East Machias, Maine

    📍 Location & Geography

    East Machias is a town located in Washington County, Maine, United States. It is nestled along the East Machias River, which gives the town its name. The town is characterized by rolling hills, dense forests, and beautiful waterways.

    🌎 Coordinates

    The geographical coordinates for East Machias are approximately 44.7392° N latitude and 67.3794° W longitude.

    🗺️ Region & Area

    East Machias is situated in the Down East region of Maine, a term that refers to the eastern coastal region of the state. The town covers a total area of 39.64 square miles, of which 38.08 square miles is land and 1.56 square miles is water.

    👥 Population & Demographics

    As of the 2020 census, the population of East Machias was estimated to be around 1,368 people. The town has a diverse age range, with a median age of approximately 45 years. The population density is about 35.9 inhabitants per square mile.

    🏛️ History

    East Machias was originally part of a larger territory granted by the British Crown to the Plymouth Company in 1639. The town was officially incorporated on February 24, 1826. It has a rich history in shipbuilding and lumber, with the first sawmill established in 1763. East Machias also played a role in the War of 1812, when the local militia captured the British schooner Margaretta in a naval battle.

    🏞️ Nature & Environment

    East Machias is known for its natural beauty. The town is home to the Downeast Salmon Federation, which works to conserve wild Atlantic salmon and its habitat. The East Machias River, a significant salmon habitat, runs through the town. The Bad Little Falls Park, with its stunning waterfall, is another natural attraction in the area.

    🏫 Education

    Education in East Machias is managed by the AOS 96/Machias Bay Area School System. The town hosts the Washington Academy, a private boarding and day high school established in 1792, making it one of the oldest academies in Maine.

    🚧 Transportation

    The main mode of transportation in East Machias is by road. U.S. Route 1 passes through the town, providing connections to other parts of Maine and beyond. The nearest airport is the Machias Valley Airport, located in the neighboring town of Machias.

    📜 Trivia & Events

    East Machias hosts several community events throughout the year, including the annual Blueberry Festival in August. The town is also known for its historical buildings, such as the 19th-century Holmes Cottage, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. In addition, East Machias is the birthplace of former U.S. Vice President Hannibal Hamlin, who served under President Abraham Lincoln.