Surrounded by rugged mountains and bordered by a beautiful, jagged coastline, the city of Ellsworth and the town of Blue Hill exemplify "Downeast Maine" at its best. Few areas in Maine have retained as much nineteenth-century charm: lighthouses, cottages, gardens, and even a castle enhance the natural beauty of the region, which has always drawn visitors from far and wide. At the same time, Maine traditions of Yankee pride and hard work shine through, with granite quarries and copper mines, as well as busy fishing seasons testifying to the industrious spirit of this coastal people. It is this combination of natural beauty and strength of spirit that has always made the Ellsworth and Blue Hill area one of the most compelling and dynamic regions in all of Maine.