In the novel, Hawkeye hails from Maine — a state author Hornberger spent a lot of time in, as reported by The New York Times. Though this background is retained in the 1970 film, it's portrayed more inconsistently near the start of the "M*A*S*H" television series. TV Hawkeye's Maine roots are eventually established, but it takes an astonishing four seasons, plus some major retconning, to link him to his literary antecedent's pre-war home.
In the Season 1 episode "Dear Dad," Hawkeye reveals that he grew up in Vermont, where he and his father still live. Across Seasons 1, 2, and 3, Hawkeye continues to make passing references to being from Vermont — but then, the character's background changes without any real explanation. In Season 4's "The Late Captain Pierce," Hawkeye mentions Crabapple Cove, Maine, for the first time. It's just his summer cottage in that installment, but in "Mail Call ... Again," Crabapple Cove is established as his hometown. This altered background remains in place for the remainder of the show.
