Washington County, Maine
Washington County | |
|---|---|
Washington County Courthouse | |
Location within the U.S. state of Maine | |
Maine's location within the U.S. | |
| Coordinates: 44°56′24″N 67°33′01″W / 44.940006°N 67.550331°W | |
| Country | United States |
| State | Maine |
| Founded | June 25, 1789 |
| Named after | George Washington |
| Seat | Machias |
| Largest city | Calais |
| Area | |
• Total | 3,258 sq mi (8,440 km2) |
| • Land | 2,563 sq mi (6,640 km2) |
| • Water | 695 sq mi (1,800 km2) 21% |
| Population (2020) | |
• Total | 31,095 |
• Estimate (2023) | 31,555 |
| • Density | 9.5/sq mi (3.7/km2) |
| Time zone | UTC−5 (Eastern) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC−4 (EDT) |
| Congressional district | 2nd |
| Website | washingtoncountymaine |
Washington County is a county located in the U.S. state of Maine. As of the 2020 census, its population was 31,095, making it the third-least populous county in Maine. Its county seat is Machias. 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. 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.