The phrase “Downeast” has nautical roots that trace back to the 1800s. In summer months, ships carrying goods from Boston up the Maine coast typically sailed with a southwest wind at their backs—pushing them downwind to go eastward to their destinations. As such, sailors came to refer to the northeastern stretches of Maine as being Down East in relation to Boston. Conversely, they routinely spoke of going “up to Boston” from Down East ports, even though Boston is many miles south of Maine.
Over time, “Downeast” became a catchall phrase for the geography, culture, and distinct accents of the northern reaches of Maine’s coast. Guidebooks will tell you that there’s no precise southern or midpoint in the state where Downeast Maine begins; indeed, locals often use the term colloquially to describe any point east of where they are. But by the time you get far enough north to the coastal county marked in gray on the map—Washington County—you’re universally acknowledged to have arrived Downeast.