Considered the location for the start of the Naval side of the Revolutionary war, Machias actually gets its name from regional native Americans that translates to "Bad Little Falls". At the very center of town is a spectacular waterfall that marks the beginning to the mouth of the bay. Maine has always been a lumber king and the docks were filled with sawn lumber ready for transport on masted schooners back to Boston or ports beyond. Machias lies in the middle of "Downeast", so called from ship captains who would sail DOWN wind and EAST out of Boston. Maine was originally part of Massachusetts, and still has close ties.
Although many buildings have been lost, the population size has remained nearly identical for a hundred years. Many families can trace their heritage to the original settlers.