The Big List

  • Swans Island, Maine

    📍 Location & Geography

    Swans Island is a town located in Hancock County, Maine, United States. It is situated on an island of the same name in the Atlantic Ocean, just off the coast of Maine. The island is encompassed by several smaller islands, including Harbor Island, Toothacher Island, and Black Island. The town’s terrain is a mix of rolling hills, rocky coastlines, and forested areas.

    🌎 Coordinates

    The geographical coordinates of Swans Island are approximately 44.170 degrees north latitude and 68.419 degrees west longitude.

    🗺️ Region & Area

    Swans Island is part of the New England region of the United States. It covers a total area of about 75.8 square miles (196.3 km²), of which approximately 6.6 square miles (17.1 km²) is land and 69.2 square miles (179.2 km²) is water.

    👥 Population & Demographics

    As of the 2010 census, Swans Island had a population of 332 residents. The population density was about 50.3 people per square mile. The racial makeup of the town was predominantly White, with a small percentage of the population identifying as Native American or from other races. The median age was 46.8 years, with a slight majority of the population being female.

    🏛️ History

    Swans Island was first settled in the 1760s by fishermen attracted to the area’s abundant fish and lobster populations. It was incorporated as a town in 1847. The town’s economy has historically been based on fishing, boat building, and granite quarrying. Over the years, it has also become a popular destination for summer residents and tourists.

    🏞️ Nature & Environment

    Swans Island is known for its natural beauty. It is home to several nature preserves, including the Hockamock Nature Preserve. The island’s diverse habitats support a variety of wildlife, including deer, foxes, and numerous bird species. The waters surrounding the island are home to seals, porpoises, and occasionally whales.

    🏫 Education

    Education on Swans Island is managed by the Maine School Administrative District 37. The island has one school, the Swans Island Elementary School, which serves students from kindergarten through eighth grade. High school students typically attend school on the mainland.

    🚧 Transportation

    Transportation to and from Swans Island is primarily by ferry, with the Maine State Ferry Service providing regular trips to and from the mainland. The island also has a small airport, the Swans Island Airport, for private and charter flights. On the island, transportation is primarily by car, with a network of local roads providing access to various parts of the island.

    📜 Trivia & Events

    Every year, Swans Island hosts the Sweet Chariot Music Festival, a popular event that attracts musicians and music lovers from around the region. The island is also known for its annual lobster festival, which celebrates the town’s fishing heritage. A fun fact about Swans Island is that it is home to the Swans Island Company, a renowned producer of handwoven blankets and yarns.


  • Surry, Maine

    📍 Location & Geography

    Surry is a charming town located in Hancock County, Maine, United States. It is situated on the western shore of the Union River Bay, which leads into the Atlantic Ocean. The town is characterized by a mix of flat coastal plains and gently rolling hills, with a number of streams and ponds dotting the landscape.

    🌎 Coordinates

    The geographical coordinates of Surry, Maine are approximately 44.4922° N latitude and 68.5042° W longitude.

    🗺️ Region & Area

    Surry is part of the New England region in the northeastern United States. The town covers a total area of 50.18 square miles (129.97 km²), of which, 38.58 square miles (99.92 km²) is land and 11.60 square miles (30.04 km²) is water, as per the United States Census Bureau.

    👥 Population & Demographics

    As of the 2010 Census, the population of Surry was 1,466. The town has a diverse age range, with a median age of 46.5 years. The population is predominantly white, making up over 97% of the total. The remaining population is a mix of African American, Asian, Hispanic, and other races.

    🏛️ History

    Surry was first settled in 1763 and was incorporated as a town in 1803. The town was named after Surrey, England, by settlers who were originally from there. Surry’s economy was historically based on farming, shipbuilding, and lumbering, with the Union River providing a vital transportation route.

    🏞️ Nature & Environment

    Surry is home to a rich natural environment, with its coastal location offering stunning views of the Union River Bay. The town is surrounded by deciduous forests, home to a variety of wildlife. The Carter Nature Preserve is a popular spot for hiking and bird watching. The town also has several ponds and streams, offering opportunities for fishing and boating.

    🏫 Education

    Education in Surry is managed by the Surry School Department. The town has one elementary school, the Surry Elementary School, which serves students from pre-kindergarten through eighth grade. High school students typically attend either Ellsworth High School or George Stevens Academy in the nearby towns.

    🚧 Transportation

    Surry is served by a number of state routes, including State Route 172 and State Route 176. The town is approximately a 30-minute drive from Ellsworth, the county seat of Hancock County. The nearest airport is Hancock County-Bar Harbor Airport, located about 18 miles away in Trenton.

    📜 Trivia & Events

    Surry is known for its annual events that bring the community together. The Surry Strawberry Festival in July is a popular event featuring local strawberries, homemade shortcake, and live music. The town also hosts an annual Christmas Craft Fair. A notable trivia about Surry is that it was the filming location for the 1999 movie “The Thirteenth Warrior.”


  • Sunset, Maine

    📍 Location & Geography

    Sunset is a charming town located in Hancock County, in the state of Maine, United States. It is nestled in the northeastern part of the country, specifically in the New England region. The town is situated on the southern part of Deer Isle, an island in Penobscot Bay. The ZIP code for Sunset is 04683.

    🌎 Coordinates

    The geographical coordinates for Sunset, Maine are approximately 44.24 degrees North latitude and 68.72 degrees West longitude.

    🗺️ Region & Area

    Sunset is part of the Down East region of Maine, known for its rugged coastline and maritime history. The town, while small, boasts a rich natural landscape with a mix of coastal areas, forested lands, and small hills. The total land area of Sunset is not specifically mentioned in census data, but it is part of the larger Deer Isle which spans 29.2 square miles.

    👥 Population & Demographics

    As of the latest available data, the population of Sunset is not separately enumerated but is included in the overall count for Deer Isle, which has a population of around 1,975. The demographics of the area reflect a predominantly Caucasian population, along with small percentages of other ethnicities.

    🏛️ History

    Sunset, like many other towns in the region, has a history rooted in Maine’s maritime past. While specific historical details about Sunset are scarce, the broader Deer Isle area was first settled in the 1760s and was incorporated in 1789. The region was primarily engaged in shipbuilding, fishing, and granite quarrying.

    🏞️ Nature & Environment

    Sunset offers a serene and picturesque environment, with its coastal landscape and lush greenery. The town is surrounded by the waters of Penobscot Bay, with numerous inlets and coves. The area is home to a variety of local flora and fauna, making it a haven for nature enthusiasts.

    🏫 Education

    Educational services in Sunset are provided as part of the Deer Isle-Stonington school system under the jurisdiction of the Maine Department of Education. The system includes an elementary school and a high school. Higher education opportunities can be found in the nearby cities and towns.

    🚧 Transportation

    Transportation in Sunset is primarily by road, with Maine State Route 15 serving as the main artery connecting the town to other parts of Deer Isle and the mainland. The nearest major airport is Bangor International Airport, located approximately 60 miles to the north.

    📜 Trivia & Events

    While specific events and trivia for Sunset are not widely documented, the broader Deer Isle area is known for its annual Fisherman’s Day event, which celebrates the region’s maritime heritage. The island is also recognized for its thriving arts community, with numerous galleries and studios scattered throughout the area.


  • Stonington, Maine

    📍 Location & Geography

    Stonington is a charming town located in Hancock County, Maine, United States. It is situated on the southern tip of Deer Isle, an island in Penobscot Bay. The town is surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean on three sides, which provides stunning coastal views and a maritime atmosphere. Stonington’s terrain is characterized by rolling hills, rocky coastlines, and dense forests.

    🌎 Coordinates

    The geographic coordinates of Stonington, Maine are approximately 44.1456° N latitude and 68.6669° W longitude.

    🗺️ Region & Area

    Stonington is part of the New England region in the northeastern United States. It covers a total area of approximately 37.76 square miles (97.79 km²), of which 10.13 square miles (26.24 km²) is land and 27.63 square miles (71.55 km²) is water.

    👥 Population & Demographics

    As of the 2020 census, Stonington has a population of around 1,034 residents. The town has a predominantly white population, with a small percentage of other races. The median age in Stonington is around 47 years, which is higher than the national average. The town has a slightly higher percentage of female residents compared to males.

    🏛️ History

    Stonington was originally inhabited by the Native American tribe, the Tarrantines. European settlers first arrived in the area in the 1760s. The town was incorporated in 1897 and was named after Stonington, Connecticut. Stonington’s history is deeply rooted in the maritime industry, particularly in lobster fishing and granite quarrying. Many of the town’s historic buildings and sites reflect this rich maritime heritage.

    🏞️ Nature & Environment

    Stonington is blessed with a rich natural environment, featuring a beautiful coastline, lush forests, and diverse wildlife. The town is home to several nature preserves and parks, including the Crockett Cove Woods Preserve and the Edgar M. Tennis Preserve. These areas provide opportunities for hiking, bird watching, and exploring the local flora and fauna. The town’s coastal location also makes it a popular spot for boating, fishing, and other water-related activities.

    🏫 Education

    Education in Stonington is served by the Deer Isle-Stonington School District. The town has one elementary school, the Deer Isle-Stonington Elementary School, and one high school, the Deer Isle-Stonington High School. The town is also in close proximity to several colleges and universities in the larger Hancock County area.

    🚧 Transportation

    Stonington is accessible by road via State Route 15, which connects the town to the mainland. The town also has a municipal airport, the Stonington Municipal Airport, for general aviation. For maritime transportation, Stonington has a working harbor that serves commercial and recreational vessels.

    📜 Trivia & Events

    Stonington is known as the “Lobster Capital of Maine” due to its significant lobster fishing industry. The town hosts the annual Stonington Lobster Boat Races, an event that attracts visitors from across the region. Stonington is also home to the historic Stonington Opera House, which hosts a variety of cultural events, including theater performances, concerts, and film screenings.


  • Steuben, Maine

    📍 Location & Geography

    Steuben is a charming coastal town located in Washington County, Maine, United States. This town is situated in the northeastern part of the state and is part of the Down East region of Maine. Steuben is bounded by the Atlantic Ocean to the south and east, and it’s known for its picturesque landscapes, featuring a mix of forests, rivers, and coastal areas.

    🌎 Coordinates

    The geographical coordinates of Steuben, Maine are approximately 44.5° N latitude and 67.9° W longitude.

    🗺️ Region & Area

    Steuben is part of the Down East region of Maine, a term that refers to the eastern coastal part of the state. The town covers a total area of approximately 81.28 square miles (210.52 km²), of which 46.51 square miles (120.46 km²) is land and 34.77 square miles (90.07 km²) is water.

    👥 Population & Demographics

    As per the United States Census Bureau, the estimated population of Steuben was around 1,131 in 2019. The town has a predominantly white population, with a small percentage of other races. The median age in Steuben is higher than the national average, reflecting a significant number of retirees who choose to live in this peaceful coastal town.

    🏛️ History

    Steuben was first settled in 1760 and was incorporated as a town in 1795. It was named after Baron Friedrich Wilhelm von Steuben, a Prussian military officer who served in the American Revolutionary War. The town’s economy has historically been based on fishing, shipbuilding, and lumbering, and it has maintained its rural character throughout the years.

    🏞️ Nature & Environment

    Steuben is known for its beautiful natural environment, featuring a mix of forests, rivers, and coastal areas. The town is home to the Petit Manan National Wildlife Refuge, a haven for migratory birds and other wildlife. The refuge includes Petit Manan Point, which offers stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean. Steuben’s coastal location also provides opportunities for boating, fishing, and other water activities.

    🏫 Education

    Education in Steuben is managed by the Milbridge-based school district AOS 96 (Administrative District 96). The district oversees the education of students from kindergarten through high school. The nearest high school is Narraguagus High School, located in the neighboring town of Harrington.

    🚧 Transportation

    Steuben is served by State Route 1, which is the major highway running through the town, connecting it to other parts of Maine. The nearest airport is Hancock County-Bar Harbor Airport, located about 40 miles southwest of the town. For local transportation, residents rely primarily on private vehicles, as public transportation options are limited in this rural area.

    📜 Trivia & Events

    Steuben hosts an annual event called the “Steuben Day”, a community celebration featuring a parade, games, food, and other festivities. The event brings together residents and visitors to celebrate the town’s heritage and community spirit. The town is also known for its blueberry farms, and blueberry picking is a popular activity during the summer months.