Calais, Border city in Washington County, Maine
Calais is a city in eastern Washington County, Maine, situated along the St. Croix River that forms the border with Canada. Three international bridges connect it to the Canadian town of St. Stephen, making it a key crossing point between the two countries.
Permanent settlement began in 1779, and the city received its name after the French city of Calais in 1809. Nearby, St. Croix Island marks the location of a French settlement founded in 1604, which launched European exploration of the region.
The St. Croix Island International Historic Site near Calais preserves the location where French explorers established a settlement in 1604.
The city is home to Calais Regional Hospital, which provides medical care for Washington County and employs several hundred people. Visitors find various local shops and services concentrated mainly in the downtown area and easily reached on foot.
The St. Croix River beside the city experiences extreme tidal shifts, with water levels swinging about 28 feet between high and low tide. These dramatic tides make the river a dynamic place and remind visitors of the powerful connection between the river and the ocean beyond.
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