Where Does Northern Maine Actually Begin?

I'm what Mainers like to call "from away."

I know, it's terrible. My heart might beat for Maine, but my blood is devoid of L.L. Bean, Moxie, fiddleheads, and cutting drivers off.

What it Means to be a Mainer who is "From Away"

I was born in Maryland and only moved here when I was four years old. Not only that, but I live in Southern Maine, an even bigger red flag for many of you.

It's a horrible combination, I know. How dare I even consider myself a true Mainer when I'm technically "from away" and believe everything above Lewiston is northern Maine? You bet I've been in some debates (and battles) over the years about where Maine's geographical lines should be drawn.

Where Northern Maine Starts Has Been a Hot Debate for Decades

The debate about Northern Maine has seemingly raged forever. In fact, I once wrote an article in which I called Millinocket “Northern Maine.” Let’s just say more than one person told me I wasn’t even close to being accurate.

Well, thanks to Al Gore and his magical invention called the Internet, we might finally have some definitive answers.

Where Does Northen Maine Technically Start?

The popular website ThoughtCo. has a page that shows the geographical center of every state, including Maine. According to ThoughtCo., this is the exact point where you could balance the state if it were flat. Considering states aren't perfect squares, it's a great way to truly understand where the center lies.

So, where exactly is Maine's? Let's take a look.

Ladies and gentlemen, here is your geographical center of Maine.

69°14'W 45°15.2'N

Okay, that’s not a huge help. Let’s find it on a map.

Google Maps

You’re looking at a spot just a few miles north of the center of Dover-Foxcroft, on the banks of Sebec Lake.

Technically, this means everything above this mark is Northern Maine: Lincoln, Brownville, Millinocket—all Northern Maine. And now your mind is blown.

This will clearly be difficult news for the “Millinocket is not Northern Maine” crowd. Sorry for your loss.

The funny thing is, this also means everything south of the center point is technically Southern Maine. All you folks in Bangor and Augusta, congratulations! You are officially Southern Mainers. I welcome you to enjoy all the wonders that Southern Maine has to offer.

I think I’m more confused now than when I started writing this.

I have a feeling this map isn’t going to settle the debate or change anyone’s opinion. Let’s just continue yelling at one another. It’s more fun that way.