Looking to do a round-the-world trip but you’re short on time and funds? Don’t sweat it. There’s a simple opportunity to visit Sweden, Norway, Mexico, Peru, Lebanon, China and Poland in a very short period of time. In fact, it’s quite possible to visit all these locations in just one day.
Of course, these aren’t the actual countries. In fact, you probably won’t find even a trace of culture that you would expect from any of these far away places. These are towns in the state of Maine in the United States of America. All are no more than 80 miles from Portland. four of the seven towns are located in the same county.
(click map to enlarge)
Sweden, Maine
First settled in 1794, this time was originally named Lovell. In 1813, the town was renamed Sweden. With a population of just under400, this is the smallest of our Maine worldly tour. Sweden is located 47 miles north of Portland in Oxford County, near the border with New Hampshire and not far from Mount Washington. In a bit of a flip-flop from their namesakes, Sweden is located southwest of Norway, Maine.
Norway, Maine
Originally settled as Rustfield in 1786, the town was incorporated as Norway in 1797. Close to Sweden, Norway is also in Oxford County and has a population of around 5,000. Located 44 miles north of Portland, Norway is not far west of Lewiston, another major centre in the state.
Mexico, Maine
Another town in Oxford County, it was originally incorporated as Dixfield in 1803. In 1818, the name was changed to Mexico, inspired by the real country’s long war of independence with Spain. The population of Mexico is just over 2,500 and is 75 miles from Portland, west on U.S. highway 2 from Peru.
Mexico is adjacent to Rumford, Maine, a town of nearly 6,000. Rumford is home to Black Mountain of Maine Ski Resort. Black Mountain has alpine skiing but is better known for its Nordic facilities, hosting several national events.
One of Mexico’s claims to fame is that it was home to Ed McMahon for a short period of time. McMahon, Johnny Carson’s sidekick on the Tonight Show, was a carnival barker during his time in Mexico.
Peru, Maine
The fourth worldly town in Oxford County, Peru is east of Mexico and was incorporated in 1821. Like Mexico, Peru was named in honour of the real country for their battle for independence from Spain. Peru declared independence in the same year the town was incorporated, 1821. The town now is home to just over 1,500 residents and is 67 miles from Portland.
Lebanon, Maine
Located south of Sweden, in York County, Lebanon is part of the Portland Metro Area and is located 67 miles from that centre. The town, located directly on the border with New Hampshire, was incorporated in 1767 as Maine’s 23rd town. Lebanon was named for the Biblical land. Positioned in the far south of Maine, Lebanon is just 80 miles north of Boston, Massachusetts. There are just over 6,000 residents in the town.
China, Maine
Originally incorporated as Harlem in 1796, Harlem was combined with nearby Fairfax and Winslow to create China in 1818. The town is actually named for a biblical hymn and now makes the claim of ‘the friendliest town in Maine’.
Located in Kennebec County, northeast of Augusta on U.S. 202 and not far from Interstate 95, China is 78 miles from Portland. There are roughly 4,300 residents.
Poland, Maine
Best known as the home of Poland Spring bottled water, a division of Nestle, Poland was incorporated in 1795. Located in Angroscoggin County, Poland is not far west of Lewiston and southeast of Norway, about 35 miles out of Portland.
The historic resort area was once home to Poland Spring House, a luxury hotel for the rich and famous that was built in 1876. The hotel burned down in 1975. Nowadays, 5,400 people live in the town.
More of Worldly Maine
Those are just the countries represented. Many towns in Maine are named for major cities throughout the world. Paris, Limerick, Madrid, Naples, Belfast, Lisbon, Palermo, Athens and more. Maine might be the best place in North America for a tacky road trip photo shoot.
The names might be the extent of the similarity between these places in Maine and the exotic locales they were named for. However, there’s no denying that Maine is a road trip worthy of the most intrepid traveller. This is an extremely beautiful four season area of the world that is rich In history and has a unique culture that defines it from the rest of the United States.
Canadians travelling to and from the Maritime Provinces should consider a route through Maine and New Hampshire as an option. It’s certainly no longer a time saver with freeways extended through Quebec and New Brunswick. However, it is an amazingly beautiful change of scenery.
