Quiz: The Coast of Maine
How much do you know about the Coast of Maine? Take our quiz and find out. Then register for Barry Greenlaw’s course and explore the entire coastline and just about everything there is to know!
1. What is the nickname often used to describe Maine’s coastline?
a) The Rocky Coast
b) The Lobster Coast
c) The Pine Tree Coast
d) The Atlantic Edge
2. Which iconic lighthouse is situated on the southern coast of Maine?
a) Portland Head Light
b) West Quoddy Head Light
c) Bass Harbor Head Light
d) Pemaquid Point Light
3. What is the name of the famous rock formation located off the coast of Acadia National Park?
a) Thunder Hole
b) Otter Cliffs
c) Schoodic Point
d) Cadillac Mountain
4. Which picturesque coastal town is known for its annual Maine Lobster Festival?
a) Bar Harbor
b) Camden
c) Boothbay Harbor
d) Rockland
5. Which island off the coast of Maine is famous for its wild horses?
a) Isle au Haut
b) Monhegan Island
c) Mount Desert Island
d) Squirrel Island
6. What is the name of the iconic bridge that connects the towns of Brunswick and Topsham, spanning the Androscoggin River?
a) Penobscot Narrows Bridge
b) Deer Isle Bridge
c) Wiscasset Bridge
d) Androscoggin Swinging Bridge
Answers:
1. c – The Pine Tree Coast. Maine was given the nickname the Pine Tree State in honor of its many white pine trees, which are the biggest eastern conifers (or evergreen trees that bear cones) in the United States.
2. a – Portland Head Light. Portland Head Light is not only one of the oldest lighthouses in Maine but also one of the most photographed lighthouses in the United States. Portland Head Light was commissioned by George Washington in 1787, making it a historically significant landmark in the region.
3. a – Thunder Hole. Thunder Hole gets its name from the thunderous sound produced when waves crash into a small cavern along the rocky coastline of Acadia National Park. The unique geological formation of Thunder Hole amplifies the sound of the waves, creating a booming noise that can be heard from a distance. Visitors often gather to witness the spectacular display of nature and listen to the thunderous roar as waves rush into the cavern, making it a memorable experience along the coast of Maine.
4. d – Rockland. The Rockland’s Maine Lobster Festival typically serves tens of thousands of lobsters throughout its duration. The exact number can vary from year to year, but it’s not uncommon for the festival to serve upwards of 20,000 to 25,000 lobsters or even more during its multi-day event. This festival is a celebration of Maine’s lobster industry and attracts visitors from around the world who come to indulge in fresh lobster dishes and participate in various festivities.
5. b – Monhegan Island. The wild horses of Monhegan Island are believed to be descendants of horses brought to the island by fishermen or settlers in the 18th century. Over the years, these horses adapted to the rugged terrain and harsh climate of the island, developing a unique and hardy breed. Today, they roam freely across the island, adding to its charm and allure for visitors who come to explore its natural beauty and encounter its fascinating wildlife.
6. c – Wiscasset Bridge. Also known as the Wiscasset Swing Bridge, it is one of the last remaining manually operated swing bridges in the United States. Built in 1901, this historic bridge spans the Sheepscot River in Wiscasset, Maine. What makes it unique is its ability to swing open horizontally, allowing boats to pass through. While many swing bridges have been replaced by modern structures or automated systems, the Wiscasset Bridge continues to be operated manually by bridge tenders, adding to its nostalgic charm and historical significance. It’s a popular attraction for visitors to witness the bridge in action as it opens to accommodate maritime traffic.