IV 

116TH CONGRESS 

2D SESSION H. RES. 901 

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

into the Union as the 23d State. 

IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 

MARCH 12, 2020 

Ms. PINGREE (for herself and Mr. GOLDEN) submitted the following 

resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Oversight and Reform 

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 currently 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 it 

the 23d State of the United States; 


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•HRES 901 IH 

Whereas Maine is characterized by its hardworking, altruistic, and independent people, and its strong community 

spirit; 

Whereas the State motto, ‘‘Dirigo’’, Latin for ‘‘I lead’’, reflects the trailblazing nature of the State of Maine and 

its 1.3 million inhabitants; 

Whereas Maine has one of the highest numbers of veterans 

per capita in the United States and is the home of the 

Nation’s first veterans’ hospital, Togus; 

Whereas the State contributes greatly to our 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 our country; 

Whereas distinguished statesmen from the State of 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 its extensive forests and spectacular scenery that draw millions of visitors every year; 

Whereas the majestic beauty of Mount Katahdin, one of New 

England’s highest peaks and the northern terminus of 

the Appalachian Trail, and other unspoiled natural treasures beckon outdoor enthusiasts; 

Whereas Maine’s rugged coastline and vibrant fall foliage are 

showcased in particular splendor in Acadia National 

Park, 1 of the 10 most visited national parks in the 

country; 

Whereas the pristine Atlantic waters off Maine’s coast support fishermen and women as well as the iconic lobster 

industry, which is the Nation’s most valuable fishery and 


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•HRES 901 IH 

has become known worldwide as a standard of seafood 

excellence; 

Whereas Maine is the most forested State in the country, 

with a long history of pulp and paper production and an 

exciting recent turn towards innovation and diversification of forest products; 

Whereas the fertile soils of northern and eastern 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 House 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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