Maine: The First U.S. State to See the Sunrise Each Day

Why Maine?

Maine is the easternmost state in the contiguous United States. Its easternmost point (West Quoddy Head) receives the first morning sunlight.

Nuance

• Alaska (specifically the Aleutian Islands) technically sees sunrise earlier due to longitude, but Alaska is not contiguous.
• During summer, the first sunrise in the US is at Wake Island (unincorporated territory).

Cultural Note

"First to see the sunrise" is a point of pride for Maine, celebrated in tourism and state identity.