1. In 1820, Maine officially became a state on December 12th, marking an important milestone in the history of the region. The state had previously been a part of Massachusetts but decided to secede and form its own government.

2. On December 12th, 1912, the city of Bangor experienced a catastrophic fire that destroyed much of its downtown area. The blaze started in a commercial building and quickly spread due to high winds and a lack of modern firefighting equipment. Over 200 buildings were destroyed, and several people lost their lives in the disaster.

3. In 1964, Maine Senator Margaret Chase Smith became the first woman to be elected to both the House of Representatives and the Senate. She was a strong advocate for civil rights and played a key role in the anti-communist movement during the Cold War.

4. December 12th also marks the anniversary of a significant naval battle that took place off the coast of Maine during the War of 1812. The HMS Jalouse, a British frigate, engaged in a fierce battle with the USS Constitution, also known as "Old Ironsides." Although both ships sustained significant damage, the Constitution emerged victorious and became an iconic symbol of American military prowess.

5. Finally, December 12th is also the date of the annual lobster trap tree lighting in Rockland, Maine. This quirky tradition involves constructing a large tree-shaped frame out of lobster traps and decorating it with lights and ornaments. It has become a beloved holiday tradition in the state and draws visitors from near and far.