While quite a few famous celebrities have once lived in Maine, Stephen King may just be our biggest. His terrifying tales set in fictional towns such as Derry and Castle Rock have been sending chills down the spines of book lovers throughout the world. But, of all places, why are Stephen King books set in Maine? We know that King is a Maine native and that he calls Bangor home, but if his towns are fictional why not any other state? Why is Stephen King obsessed with Maine? We don’t know for sure, but we have some theories. Mostly, we argue, why not? Maine can be ethereal, spooky and beautiful all at once. Here are some other reasons why Stephen King books may take place in Maine.

1. King grew up in Maine.
David Fulmer / Flickr
Stephen King was born in Portland and, after some time in other states, moved with his family to Durham, Maine. His Maine home is located in Bangor and comes with all the touches you'd imagine. Spider-webs and bats adorn his front gates. Recently, an artist created a detailed spooky literary piece made from a tree stump on the property that visitor's can see from the fence. Though his literary Maine towns are fictional, they have the feel of small-town Maine which presumably comes from living in and loving Maine.
2. The landscape of Maine offers the perfect inspiration. From foggy, mystical Acadia roads...
Mike Cempa / Flickr
It's not hard to find the perfect natural backdrop for a King novel, like this morning drive through Acadia.
3. To grey, abandoned structures...
Mike Timberlake / Flickr
Spending time at Fort Gorges on an overcast day can make you feel as if you're being watched. In addition to feeling quite deserted and isolated, the area is quiet which makes it easy to come up with your own scary stories about its past.
4. To misty late nights on the most still waters.
Sarah Skiold-Hanlin / Flickr
While Maine's rocky coast is well-known, her harbors stand in stark contrast. On a still night, the water can be eerily stagnant, making the air feel thick with mystery.
5. Dexter reminds some of King's Derry, Maine.
Scott Lough / Flickr
King's towns are fictional, but any King-loving Mainer has tried to guess where he drew his inspiration. Some say that Dexter feels like the small town of Derry. Derry was featured in "It," "Insomnia," and "11/22/63," among others.

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6. However, King has said that Derry is based loosely on Bangor.
David Wilson / Flickr
Stephen King and Maine are often synonymous. Bangor is King's current hometown and he has been quite active in local community. A visit to see Stephen King's house in Bangor is a must for any fan. It's unsurprising that he would draw inspiration from a place he knows so well.
7. Maine has the right cemeteries.
Lawrence Whittemore / Flickr
Visitors to Maine will be surprised to find just how many cemeteries, big and small, dot the state. Mount Hope Cemetery in Bangor offered the perfect backdrop for a scene in Pet Sematary, in which King made a cameo.
8. Maine has an old, small town feel without even trying.
Alexander Rabb / Flickr
King's novels carry the feel of a small town sometimes lost in time. It's why he is obsessed with Maine. Parts of our state carry that same feeling; vintage shop signs, general stores and fueling stations, such as those found at Hanna's Garage in New Harbor, provide great inspiration for the quirky towns in King's stories.
9. Maine perfected the small town feel.
jesiehart / Flickr
If King ever lacked for inspiration in Bangor, he only needed to take a short visit to neighboring areas to get the feel of small town Maine. In addition to the faded feel of some of our towns, we have certainly perfected the community feel in our small towns.
10. Flagstaff Lake is in Maine.
Graham Baker / Flickr
While not officially the inspiration, many people have said Flagstaff Lake near Eustis reminds them of Dark Score Lake featured in "Bag of Bones." Whether or not this is true, a sunset visit to the still waters will evoke similar feelings as reading the chilling tale.

Whether or not these theories are true, there’s no question that Maine offers the perfect backdrop for chilling tales. Do have any other theories? Let us know on Facebook!

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Why Are Stephen King Books Set In Maine

Christina Arrascaeta | June 15, 2022

What are the most haunted places in Maine?

Maine is often considered one of the most haunted states in the country. Stephen King and Maine are regularly associated because the state is often the setting of the horror writer’s literary works. With haunted roads like Route 2A in Wytopitlock and the Swan Island cemetery along the Kennebec River in Richmond, the state has a plethora of scary locations with eerie tales. Some of the most haunted places in Maine include Fort Gorges in Portland, ME, and Colonel Buck's Cursed Tomb in Bucksport, ME.

Can I visit any abandoned places in Maine?

Fans of Stephen King enjoy the state’s many abandoned places, which only adds to Maine’s spooky atmosphere. There are many fascinating abandoned places to explore in Maine. Often topping the list of best-abandoned places to visit in Maine is Fort Gorges, located off the coast of Portland, ME. The Fort offers tours and limited access throughout the warmer months of the year.

Can I go ghost hunting in Maine?

Many people wonder if all Stephen King books are set in Maine due to the state’s seemingly infinite ghost stories and rich history. Maine is often regarded as the spookiest state in the country. Not only are there many ghost towns in the state, but ghost hunting is a popular attraction! Allegedly haunted Fort Knox regularly hosts ghost tours and overnight stays for brave visitors. Visitors have also reported paranormal activity at the Museums of Old York in Maine and the famous “White Witch” that likes to watch the nearby preschool children play.

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