III 

116TH CONGRESS 

2D SESSION S. RES. 541 

Recognizing and celebrating the 200th anniversary of the entry of Maine 

into the Union as the 23d State. 

IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES 

MARCH 11, 2020 

Ms. COLLINS (for herself and Mr. KING) submitted the following resolution; 

which was considered and agreed to 

RESOLUTION 

Recognizing and celebrating the 200th anniversary of the 

entry of Maine into the Union as the 23d State. 

Whereas the place now known as Maine is Wabanaki Homeland and is home to vibrant indigenous cultures and communities; 

Whereas Maine was a district of Massachusetts, 1 of the 13 

original colonies of the United States; 

Whereas, by 1820, people living in Maine had built a thriving 

economy that included farming, forestry, fishing, and 

shipbuilding industries; 

Whereas, in March 1820, Congress and President James 

Monroe approved the Missouri Compromise, authorizing 

the establishment of the State of Maine and making 

Maine the 23d State of the United States; 


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•SRES 541 ATS 

Whereas Maine is characterized by hardworking, altruistic, 

and independent people and a strong community spirit; 

Whereas the State motto of Maine, ‘‘Dirigo’’, Latin for ‘‘I 

lead’’, reflects the trailblazing nature of Maine and the 

1,300,000 inhabitants of Maine; 

Whereas Maine has 1 of the highest numbers of veterans per 

capita in the United States, and is the home of Togus, 

the first veterans hospital in the United States; 

Whereas Maine contributes greatly to national defense 

through the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard, Bath Iron 

Works, Pratt & Whitney, and numerous other suppliers 

and installations whose skilled employees are a vital asset 

to the United States; 

Whereas distinguished statesmen from Maine include William 

King, Joshua Chamberlain, Hannibal Hamlin, Margaret 

Chase Smith, and Edmund Muskie; 

Whereas Maine is known as ‘‘The Pine Tree State’’ and ‘‘Vacationland’’ for the extensive forests and spectacular scenery that draw millions of visitors to Maine every year; 

Whereas the majestic beauty of Mount Katahdin, 1 of the 

highest peaks in New England and the northern terminus 

of the Appalachian Trail, and other unspoiled natural 

treasures beckon outdoor enthusiasts; 

Whereas the rugged coastline and vibrant fall foliage of 

Maine are showcased in particular splendor in Acadia 

National Park, 1 of the 10 most visited national parks 

in the United States; 

Whereas the pristine Atlantic waters off the coast of Maine 

support fishermen and women and the iconic lobster industry, which is the most valuable fishery in the United 


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•SRES 541 ATS 

States and is known worldwide as a standard of seafood 

excellence; 

Whereas Maine is the most forested State in the United 

States, with a long history of pulp and paper production 

and an exciting recent turn toward innovation and diversification of forest products; 

Whereas the fertile soils of Maine have helped farmers 

produce the best potatoes and wild blueberries for generations, and have supported the increase of organic agriculture operations; 

Whereas March 15, 2020, marks the 200th anniversary of 

the attainment of statehood by Maine; and 

Whereas that bicentennial is a monumental occasion to celebrate and commemorate the achievements of the great 

State of Maine: Now, therefore, be it 

1 Resolved, That the Senate recognizes and celebrates 

2 the 200th anniversary of the entry of Maine into the 

3 Union as the 23d State. 

Æ 


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