Proposed Location & Introduction to the Region

Chapter 4 evaluates Criterion 9 of the required criteria for National Heritage Area designation .

Criterion 9 - A conceptual boundary map is supported by the public .

Downeast Maine - What ’ s in a Name ? Location

The term “ Downeast ” comes from the direction ships sailed from New York and Boston — downwind and to the east . During the late 1700 ’ s and throughout the 1800 ’ s , sailors used their schooners to haul goods to and from the coast of New England . While moving in a northeasterly direction , especially during the warmer months , a strong wind would often be at their backs pushing them along . This was moving “ downwind ” in the direction that the prevailing wind was blowing , to the East .

The two terms “ down ” and “ east ” have been combined over time as an expression of a geographic area used in reference to many coastal