Northwest Maine - what's up with it? (Bangor, Old Town: purchase, live)

[Coaster]

Originally Posted by Submariner

Rumford is so far South, way below the center of the state. That surprises me.

That would be like calling Rangeley 'North' or 'North West' when it is so clearly just South of any mid-way line you would draw.

I agree, but for some folks the North Woods are more a state of mind than a geographical region.

[Submariner]

Originally Posted by Coaster

I agree, but for some folks the North Woods are more a state of mind than a geographical region.

I can see that.

I find it confusing when people say the 'NorthWest corner of Maine' yet they are referring to a region in the Southern half of the state.

[Maine Writer]

Originally Posted by Submariner

I can see that.

I find it confusing when people say the 'NorthWest corner of Maine' yet they are referring to a region in the Southern half of the state.

There are people who talk about lighthouses on the coast of northern Maine. I hate it when the ocean relocates.

[Submariner]

Originally Posted by Maine Writer

There are people who talk about lighthouses on the coast of northern Maine. I hate it when the ocean relocates.

I did not think that oceans moved much. Of course [as a career sailor] ocean currents move a great deal, but the actual location of an ocean generally should not move.

I get a kick out of people referring to the Maine / NH border as the North-West Corner of Maine. I have actually seen this done on forums.

[Maine Writer]

Originally Posted by Submariner

I did not think that oceans moved much. Of course [as a career sailor] ocean currents move a great deal, but the actual location of an ocean generally should not move.

One would think so, but if there is a coast in northern Maine, the ocean moved. Otherwise, we get into the whole eastern, central and western part of the state and that's just confusing.

[maineguy8888]

I think it's safe to call the Jackman area part of northwest Maine, for sure.

[beltrams]

Originally Posted by maineguy8888

I think it's safe to call the Jackman area part of northwest Maine, for sure.

I don't know about Rumford, but given all the forest to the immediate north, regarding towns such as Rangeley, Oquossoc, Wilson Mills, the Bigelow area and so on, I've always thought of that as Northwest Maine, or at least Western Maine, the latter still being way different that Southern Maine.

All that would be subject to change, however, if and when the East - West Highway cuts through the area North of Stratton.

[RMoore007]

I have always thought of Northwest Maine as being just trees. Dover-Foxcroft is Central Maine. Rockwood and Jackman may be considered part of NW Maine but that's it. Living in Dover makes you feel like you're on the fringes of civilization. It doesn't take long to drive northwest of Dover and be in a desolation wilderness of thick forest, logging roads/trails, plentiful wildlife and the feeling of being alone in the world.

[maineguy8888]

Just curious, hopefully not too far off subject: does any one in southern Maine ever refer to "upstate"?? We talk about "downstate" all the time, around here.......

[AustinB]

Originally Posted by maineguy8888

Just curious, hopefully not too far off subject: does any one in southern Maine ever refer to "upstate"?? We talk about "downstate" all the time, around here.......

Usually it's the 'county'. It's never used as a compliment.