Calais

Welcome to Calais!

Calais is a small city in Washington County on the Canadian border and the St. Croix River. It has three Canada-US border crossings to St. Stephen, New Brunswick, Canada, which they have a long history with.

For thousands of years, the area of Calais was inhabited by the native Passamaquoddy people. In 1604, French explorer Samuel de Champlain was the first person to explore the area. The first person to settle the area was a man by the name of Daniel Hill in 1779. In 1789, the township was sold to a Mr. Waterman Thomas from Waldoboro. The township, called Plantation Number 5 PS, was given the short and sweet name of Calais, after the French town of the same name in 1809.

During this time, industry expanded immensely, with many mills, factories, ore foundries, and masonry shops. Here is home to the first railroad built in Maine, called the Calais Railroad, initially in 1832. Eighteen years later, the site was incorporated as a city in 1850.

Calais is a big shopping center for Washington County and Charlotte County of New Brunswick. Because of Calais’ proximity to Canada, it is worth the trip over the border to visit the local Canadian shops as well. They also have a regional hospital, the Washington County Community College, and various parks and recreational facilities.

The city is also known for its historic buildings and natural beauty. They have been focusing on remodeling the downtown area while also maintaining the history that makes the city unique.

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