Calais is a city in Washington County, pronounced CAL-us, incorporated on June 16, 1809 as a town from Plantation Number 5 PS. On November 18, 1850 it was restructured as a city. Calais has traditionally had warm relations with its sister community, St. Stephen, on the Canadian side of the St. Croix River border. The first settlers arrived about 1770, engaging in farming, hunting, and later shipbuilding. Its name derives from the French port by the same name, in honor of the support given by that nation during the American Revolution. Calais was one of two mythical sons of Boreas, the Greek god of the North Wind. Calais and his brother followed Jason on his quest for the Golden Fleece, protecting him from the bird-women Harpies.

From Maine: An Encyclopedia (www.themaineencyclopedia.com)