1. Maine was officially recognized as a state on April 5, 1820. Prior to this date, Maine had been a part of Massachusetts. The statehood proclamation was signed by President James Monroe and Maine became the 23rd state in the U.S.

2. On April 5, 1915, one of the worst forest fires in Maine history occurred. The fire, which started in the town of Brownfield, spread quickly due to dry weather conditions and strong winds. As a result, many homes were destroyed and several people lost their lives.

3. The first recorded baseball game played in Maine took place on April 5, 1862, in Portland. The game was between the Portland Base Ball Club and the New Brunswick Club. Baseball quickly became a popular sport in Maine and many communities formed their own teams.

4. On April 5, 1927, the University of Maine held its first-ever aviation class. The course was taught by a World War I flying ace, and students had the opportunity to learn about aircraft engines, navigation, and aerodynamics.

5. The USS Maine, a battleship that famously exploded in Havana Harbor in 1898, was launched on April 5, 1889. The ship was built in Bath, Maine, and was named after the state. The explosion of the USS Maine led to the U.S. involvement in the Spanish-American War.