Washington County, Maine is located in the northeastern corner of the state and is bordered by Canada to the east. It is a rural area with a population of approximately 32,000 people and covers an area of 1,851 square miles. The county seat is Machias and other towns include Calais, Eastport, Lubec, Jonesboro, Perry, Princeton and Topsfield.
According to theinternetfaqs.com, the history of Washington County goes back to the early 1600s when Europeans first began settling in the area. During this time it was part of Massachusetts and then later became part of Maine when it gained statehood in 1820. In addition to its long history, Washington County also has several sites on the National Register of Historic Places including Fort O’Brien State Historic Site in Machias and Fort Sullivan in Eastport.
Washington County is home to a variety of attractions for visitors to explore such as beaches along Cobscook Bay or nearby Cutler Coast Public Reserve Land with its rugged coastline and diverse wildlife habitats. Other outdoor activities include whale watching off the coast or exploring numerous hiking trails throughout the county.
The area also has a number of famous people associated with it including author Erskine Caldwell who wrote Tobacco Road while living in Eastport; painter Winslow Homer who lived on Prouts Neck near Scarborough; poet Edna St Vincent Millay who was born in Rockland; former Secretary of State John Kerry who spent his summers growing up at his family’s lake house on North Haven Island; and former First Lady Barbara Bush who grew up on South Remington Street in Kennebunkport.
Washington County offers something for everyone whether you’re looking for outdoor recreation or exploring local history with plenty of picturesque scenery along the way.
Climate and weather in Washington County, Maine
According to ehuacom.com, Washington County, Maine is located in the northeastern corner of the state and experiences a humid continental climate with cold winters and warm summers. The area typically receives an average of 45 inches of precipitation per year, most of which falls between May and October while snowfall averages around 50 inches per year.
The winter months are cold with temperatures averaging in the low 20s Fahrenheit while summers are usually mild with temperatures reaching into the high 70s. Because of its location near the Atlantic Ocean, Washington County experiences a wide range of weather from coastal storms to snowstorms to thunderstorms.
Springtime is usually mild with temperatures ranging from the low 40s to mid-60s while summer is usually hot and humid with temperatures reaching into the 80s. Fall brings cooler weather with temperatures in the 50s and 60s as well as plenty of rain.
Washington County experiences four distinct seasons throughout the year with cold winters, mild springs, hot summers, and cool falls accompanied by a variety of weather conditions ranging from coastal storms to snowstorms to thunderstorms. This makes it an ideal destination for outdoor enthusiasts looking for a variety of activities throughout all four seasons.
Transportation in Washington County, Maine
Washington County, Maine is served by a variety of transportation options providing easy access to and from the area. The county is serviced by the Knox and Waldo County public transit system providing bus service throughout the region as well as connecting to other areas of the state. Additionally, Amtrak provides rail service with stops in Rockland, Thomaston, and Ellsworth.
The closest major airport is Portland International Jetport located about an hour away in Portland. There are also smaller regional airports located in Rockland, Bar Harbor, and Bangor which provide limited commercial flights as well as private charter services.
For those looking to drive into Washington County, there are two major highways that serve the area – Interstate 95 which runs along the coast and connects to Bangor to the north and Portland to the south; and Route 1 which runs through Machias down to Ellsworth. Additionally, there are several smaller roads that connect towns within Washington County making it easy for visitors to explore all that this beautiful area has to offer.
Washington County offers a variety of transportation options for those looking for easy access into or out of the area. From public transit systems to air travel or even just hitting the open road, this scenic area can be easily reached from all directions.
Cities and towns in Washington County, Maine
According to COUNTRYAAH.COM, Washington County, Maine is home to a variety of cities and towns that offer a unique experience for visitors and residents alike. The largest city in the area is Machias, which is known as the “Heart of Downeast Maine” due to its central location. This bustling town offers plenty of shopping, dining, and entertainment options for those looking to explore the area.
Close by is East Machias, a small town with a population of just over 500 people. This charming community is home to an array of outdoor activities such as camping, fishing, and hiking as well as several unique attractions like the historic East Machias Union Church.
Further down the coast lies Cutler which is one of the oldest communities in Washington County with roots stretching back to 1789. This small yet picturesque town offers stunning ocean views as well as access to many outdoor activities such as kayaking and whale watching.
Other towns in the area include Jonesboro, Cherryfield, Columbia Falls, Harrington, Milbridge, Addison, Roque Bluffs State Park and Steuben among many others. Each one offers something different for visitors to enjoy from peaceful walks along sandy beaches to exploring quaint downtowns filled with local shops and restaurants.
Washington County has something for everyone from small rural towns to bustling cities filled with attractions and activities that will keep you busy all year round.