Fort Kent, Maine - Where The Highway Begins

BUT FIRST – A REQUEST FOR INFORMATION

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FORT KENT, MAINE

WHERE THE HIGHWAY BEGINS

Many have wondered, perhaps you have as well, “Where does the Highway Begin?” Today I have the answer for you – The highway begins In Fort Kent, Maine of course! Curious? Let me explain.

Ft. Kent, Maine is a delightful town of around 5,000, located in Aroostook County on the extreme norther boarder of the United States. Serving as a port of entry from Canada into the U.S., it connects to it’s adjoining Canadian city of Clair in New Brunswick by the International Bridge over the St. John River.

Map of Northern Maine

Vehicles arriving from Canada pass through U.S. Customs at the Port of Entry after crossing the St. John River. The Ft. Kent port of entry doesn’t get lots of traffic. Perhaps around 1,900 vehicles cross the International Bridge daily. Entry and customs clearance is generally simple and speedy.

Ft. Kent Port of Entry via Highway / International Bridge

But Fort Kent has a distinctive claim to fame – Fort Kent is truly Where The Highway Begins. It holds the distinction of being the point of origin of U.S. Route 1. Established in 1926, Route 1 is the easternmost route of the U.S. Highway System. It runs a total of 2446 miles southward and is the longest north – south route in the United States.

A small park immediately adjacent to the Port of Entry holds historical markers commemorating the Route 1 origin and history.

Historical Marker – American’s First Mile

U.S. Route 1starts in Ft. Kent, Main and then winds it’s way southward along the Atlantic Coast.

Route 1 (Red) / Maine to Key West

After traveling over 2,000 miles and passing through 15 states U.S. Route 1 finally reaches it’s end point in Key West, Florida. So, if you have ever asked yourself “Where does the highway end?” Well now you know that as well. Yes, indeed – Key West – that’s Where the Highway Ends.

For information about Key West – including the end of Route 1 shown in the image below – check out

Key West – What To See And Do and Key West – What To See And Do Part Duex.

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A FORT KENT BONUS

If you visit Ft. Kent and feel a bit hungry – you might want to try Rock’s Family Diner. It’s easy to find – right across the street from the Port of Entry.

Address: 378 W Main St, Fort Kent, ME 04743
Hours: · 6:30AM–7PM
Phone: (207) 834-2888