1. In 1814, British forces burned down the city of Washington, D.C. during the War of 1812. Among the buildings destroyed was the White House, which was then named the Executive Mansion. On August 24, 1814, Maine resident Abigail Adams wrote in a letter to her sister that she had heard the news about the destruction of the White House, and expressed her sympathies to President James Madison.

2. August 24, 1822 marked the day when the first State Constitution was officially published in Maine. The document established the principles of government for Maine as a state and served as a framework for legislation for decades to come.

3. During the Civil War, August 24, 1864 was the date that Confederate forces launched the Second Battle of Weldon Railroad in Virginia. The fighting lasted for four days, resulting in significant losses on both sides. Maine units played a key role in the battle, with soldiers from the 1st, 5th, and 10th Maine regiments fighting alongside other Union soldiers to repel the Confederate attack.

4. In 1903, the Portland Elks Club in Maine hosted a lavish banquet in honor of President Theodore Roosevelt. The event was held on August 24, and featured a menu that included lobster bisque, broiled Maine chicken, and other local delicacies. Roosevelt, who was an avid hunter and outdoorsman, was a popular figure in Maine during his presidency.

5. August 24, 2011 was the date of a notable earthquake that shook much of Maine and parts of the Northeastern United States. The magnitude 5.8 quake was centered in Mineral, Virginia, and was felt as far away as Canada. Despite a few reports of minor damage, no serious injuries were reported in Maine.