1. On August 11, 1842, the city of Portland was struck by a devastating fire that destroyed nearly 1,800 buildings and left thousands homeless. The fire started in a bakery on Fore Street and quickly spread due to high winds and wooden structures.

2. In 1903, the Bangor and Aroostook Railroad was chartered on August 11. The railroad played a vital role in the economic development of Maine’s northern and eastern regions and served as a lifeline for many small communities.

3. On August 11, 1934, the mailboat Katahdin began its first run on Moosehead Lake. The Katahdin became a beloved symbol of the region and is still in operation today, offering tourists scenic tours of the lake.

4. The Penobscot Narrows Bridge and Observatory, the tallest public bridge observatory in the world, was opened on August 11, 2007. The bridge spans the Penobscot River and offers stunning views of the surrounding area from its 420-foot tall observation tower.

5. In 2016, Maine celebrated its first Indigenous Peoples’ Day on August 11. The day was recognized as a way to honor and celebrate the history and culture of Maine’s Indigenous peoples and to promote reconciliation with Native communities.