Portrait of James G. Blaine
James G. Blaine (1830-1893) was elected to the U. S. House of Representatives in 1862. He served as secretary of state under three presidents. Blaine also attempted to become his party’s nominee for president three times. He lost twice, once failing to dodge charges of corruption. On his third try in 1884, he finally succeeded, but lost the election by a narrow margin.
Maine State Museum 72.19.25 Joe Phelan photo
The governor’s mansion across the street from the State House is known as the Blaine House. Blaine purchased it in 1862 and his daughter Harriet Blaine Beale donated it to the people of Maine in memory of her son, Walker Blaine Beale, who was killed in action during World War I. The Maine State Legislature established the house as the governor’s residence in 1919.