📍 Location & Geography
Calais is a city located in Washington County, in the state of Maine, United States. It is situated on the St. Croix River, which forms the border between the U.S. and Canada. The city is characterized by a diverse landscape of rolling hills, rivers, and forests.
🌎 Coordinates
The geographical coordinates for Calais, Maine are approximately 45.1659° N latitude and 67.2424° W longitude.
🗺️ Region & Area
Calais is part of the Down East region of Maine, a term that refers to the eastern coastal portion of the state. The city spans a total area of approximately 40.10 square miles, of which 34.73 square miles is land and 5.37 square miles is water, according to the United States Census Bureau.
👥 Population & Demographics
As of the 2020 census, the population of Calais was approximately 2,984. The city has a diverse age range, with a median age of 44.8 years. The racial makeup of the city is predominantly White, with smaller populations of African American, Native American, Asian, and other races.
🏛️ History
Calais was first settled in 1779 and was incorporated as a city in 1850. The city was named after Calais, France, in honor of French assistance during the American Revolution. Calais developed as a center for lumber and paper industries, with its location on the St. Croix River facilitating trade and transportation.
🏞️ Nature & Environment
Calais is known for its beautiful natural environment, which includes the St. Croix River and a variety of forests, parks, and wildlife. The city is home to the Moosehorn National Wildlife Refuge, a protected area that provides habitat for a variety of wildlife species. The St. Croix Island International Historic Site, located nearby, offers visitors a chance to learn about the early history of the area and enjoy the natural beauty of the river.
🏫 Education
Education in Calais is administered by the Calais School Department, which operates an elementary school, a middle school, and a high school. Post-secondary education is available at the Washington County Community College, which offers a variety of degree and certificate programs.
🚧 Transportation
Transportation in Calais is facilitated by U.S. Route 1 and Maine State Route 9, which provide access to other parts of the state and beyond. The city is also served by the Calais Municipal Airport, which offers general aviation services. For local transportation, the city operates a public bus service.
📜 Trivia & Events
Calais hosts several annual events that celebrate the city’s history and culture. These include the International Festival, which celebrates the city’s unique location on the U.S.-Canada border, and the Blueberry Festival, which honors the region’s blueberry industry. An interesting piece of trivia is that Calais is the first city in the United States to see the sunrise during the fall and winter months, due to its eastern location.