These 10 Towns In Maine Have The Strangest Names You’ll Ever See
Maine has its fair share of unpronounceable place names – can you say Mooselookmeguntic Lake? How about Passagassawakeag River? I love road trips through the state and seeing town, river and lake names that I never knew existed. But, perhaps the best is when you find yourself driving through a town that shares a name with a place from far away.
The history of Poland's name is another love story involving music. Moses Emery, who had a major role in the incorporation of the town, seems to have loved the hymn, "Poland." Poland is a small town founded in 1795 and currently has less than 6,000 residents. The town itself is very picturesque, with rolling New England hills and many lakes. It’s a great place to grab a bite to eat and stay a while.
Many believe that Norway, Maine came into being as a result of a clerical error. Originally meant to be called Norage, which is Native American for "falls," it was somehow recorded by the provincial government of Massachusetts as "Norway" and there you have it! Travel to this southwestern Maine town to also see the wonderful Pennesseewassee Recreational Area.
Belfast, Maine was originally called "Passagassawakeag" after the river nearby. After the landowner died in 1759, his heirs sold the land to cots-Irish proprietors who named the town after the Northern Ireland city. It's just another example of the weird town names in Maine.
We had to include just one non-foreign town. It was just too, well, friendly to ignore! Friendship, Maine was originally called Meduncook, which means "bay at the end of the sandbar." It suffered two significant raids - one by Native Americans and one led by a French officer. Ultimately, in 1807, the town was incorporated as "Friendship" and became a major hub for boatbuilding. Head there every summer for the annual Friendship Sloop Races, an homage to the creation of the first Friendship Sloop. How did it get its name? Absolutely no idea - we need your help on this one! If you know and can let us know in the comments, we'd hugely appreciate it! Thanks!
While it shares its name with the capital city of Portugal, Maine's Lisbon was probably not named directly after the actual LIsbon. It's unclear in records, but the name may have come as a result of the Lisbon in New Hampshire, New York or some other state with a town of the same name. Perhaps they got it from the REAL Lisbon? Confusing, I know. If anyone out there has the real story - please share!
China's name comes not from the Asian country, but from musical inspiration. In 1818, China was known as "Bloomville." When it was found that another state already used the name, Maine was forced to change it. At the time, Boston leadership (and their opinion) was a long way away and so the representative went with the name of his favorite hymn, "China." Visitors can find the town of China nestled near the beautiful China Lake, a tourist favorite any time of the year.
Paris, Maine used to be known as "Township Number 4," but was eventually changed in 1793 when France provided support to colonists during the Revolutionary War. Today, the American Flyer sleds that aren't made in China (the country, not the OTHER Maine city) are made here in Paris. Find Paris, Maine about forty minutes west of Lewiston.
A large piece of what is now Limerick was acquired from the Newichewannock Abenaki Indians by Francis Small In 1668. He was awarded the tract through the exchange of two blankets, two gallons of rum, two pounds of gunpowder, four pounds of musket balls and twenty strings of beads. Actual settlement was delayed by the French/Indian war and didn't happen until 1775 when heirs of Small promised the area to a local lawyer if he helped them protect their larger land claims. The new owner, James Sullivan, named the town Limerick after the birthplace of his father.
Maine town names are unique, and the town of Mexico is no exception. Originally known as "Holmanstown" after the original landowner, Mexico came into being as a result of good ol' shared support. At the same time that the settlement was preparing to become a town, the Mexicans were fighting Spain for independence. The good people Holmanstown appreciated that the Mexican battle was won and honored the cause by adopting the same name.
Up in The County is a small town that shares its name with a much larger one in Sweden. Maine established the town in 1870 as a Swedish-immigrant colony and William W. Thomas, Jr was appointed as state Immigration Commissioner. He earned the position after serving as American Consul in Sweden during the administration of President Abraham Lincoln. Beverly A Benson, was named Commissioner of Immigration in 1870 and after traveling to Sweden, recruited immigrants leading them first into New Sweden township followed by the townships of Westmanland in 1879 and Stockholm in 1881. Funny Maine town names are plentiful in the state, including the town of Stockholm, Maine.
If you're a fan of these Maine town names, make sure you check out the World Traveler Sign in Lynchville. It's located on the northeast side of Hwy 35 (Valley Rd) at the intersection of Hwy 5 (Crooked River Causeway).
There’s nothing like driving through Mexico, Maine in the middle of a chilly February! Do you live in any of the towns that didn’t make this list? Let us know what they are in the comments.
Address: Paris, ME 04281, USA
Address: Norway, ME 04268, USA
Address: Belfast, ME 04915, USA
Address: Lisbon, ME, USA
Address: China, ME, USA
Address: Mexico, ME, USA
Address: Poland, ME 04274, USA
Address: Limerick, ME, USA
Address: Maine 35, ME-35, Windham, ME, USA
Address: Friendship, ME, USA
Address: Stockholm, ME, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
funny town names in maine
June 21, 2022
Christina Arrascaeta
Is Maine a great place to live?
Maine is considered a wonderful place to raise a family or call home. The state is one of the safest in the nation with low crime rates. Its cost of living is also below the national average. While there is a need for more professionals in areas like education, the state has seen an increase in small business start-ups and new out-of-state residents over the last few years.
What are the best small towns in Maine?
Maine is made up of many wonderful small towns. Outside of Portland, the largest city by population, and Bangor located in central Maine, there are numerous small, rural towns. Some that see the most number of visitors are Waterville, due to its blossoming arts and culture scene, Camden, Bar Harbor, Kennebunkport, and Augusta, the state’s capital.
What is Maine known for?
Maine is a very unique state located at the farthest northeast part of the United States. is known for its unusual Maine town names, many resembling towns in Europe and other places around the world. The state is also famous for its lobster and fishing industries, as well as blueberry picking. The state animal is the moose. Tourism is a major aspect of the state’s economy, due to Maine’s rugged coastline and vast forests contributing to the state’s natural beauty.
Address: Paris, ME 04281, USA
Address: Norway, ME 04268, USA
Address: Belfast, ME 04915, USA
Address: Lisbon, ME, USA
Address: China, ME, USA
Address: Mexico, ME, USA
Address: Poland, ME 04274, USA
Address: Limerick, ME, USA
Address: Maine 35, ME-35, Windham, ME, USA
Address: Friendship, ME, USA
Address: Stockholm, ME, USA
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Michelle has lived in many places, but counts Maine as one of the best. In addition to the smell of ocean water in the air on rainy days in Portland, she loves puppies, photography, funny people, the Maine Red Claws, traveling, fresh tomatoes, Cambodia and filling out forms. For questions, comments and inquiries please email: mstarin@onlyinyourstate.com.
