Washington County, Maine

Washington County
Washington County Courthouse
Washington County Courthouse
Flag of Washington County
Map of Maine highlighting Washington County
Location within the U.S. state of Maine
Map of the United States highlighting Maine
Maine's location within the U.S.
Coordinates: 44°56′24″N 67°33′01″W / 44.940006°N 67.550331°W / 44.940006; -67.550331
Country United States
State Maine
FoundedJune 25, 1789
Named forGeorge Washington
SeatMachias
Largest cityCalais
Area
 • Total
3,258 sq mi (8,440 km2)
 • Land2,563 sq mi (6,640 km2)
 • Water695 sq mi (1,800 km2)  21%
Population
 (2020)
 • Total
31,095
 • Estimate 
(2023)
31,555 Increase
 • Density9.5/sq mi (3.7/km2)
Time zoneUTC−5 (Eastern)
 • Summer (DST)UTC−4 (EDT)
Congressional district2nd
Websitewashingtoncountymaine.com

Washington County is a county located in the U.S. state of Maine. As of the 2020 census, its population was 31,095,[1] making it the third-least populous county in Maine. Its county seat is Machias.[2] The county was established on June 25, 1789. It borders the Canadian province of New Brunswick. It is sometimes referred to as "Sunrise County" because it includes the easternmost point in the 48 contiguous United States. Claims have been made that Washington County is where the sun first rises on the 48 contiguous states.[3] Many small seaside communities have small-scale fishing-based economies. Tourism is also important along the county's shoreline, but it is not as important as elsewhere in the state. The blueberry crop plays a major role in the county's economy.

  1. ^ "Census - Geography Profile: Washington County, Maine". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved November 21, 2021.
  2. ^ "Find a County". National Association of Counties. Retrieved June 7, 2011.
  3. ^ Trotter, Bill (October 22, 2011). "Where in Maine does the sun rise first?". Bangor Daily News. Retrieved February 6, 2013.