1. On December 9, 1960, the first ocean wave energy plant was installed in the world off the coast of Orono, Maine. The plant was able to produce 20 kilowatts of electricity by utilizing the power of ocean waves hitting a float on the surface.

2. In 1824, the Portland Observatory in Portland, Maine was opened to the public on December 9th. The 86-foot tower offered a clear view of the harbor and allowed ships to be spotted from miles away, providing advance information for the city's merchants.

3. On December 9, 1850, Maine became the first state to pass a prohibition law, banning the sale and manufacture of alcohol. The law was initially successful, but was eventually repealed in 1856 due to widespread illegal activities and objections from the public.

4. In 1775, Benedict Arnold and his troops captured Fort St. Jean in Quebec on December 9th, a victory that allowed the Continental Army to advance into Canada. Maine soldiers played a crucial role in the capture of the fort, which marked a significant turning point in the Revolutionary War.

5. On December 9, 1966, three Air National Guard pilots from Maine risked their lives to rescue a fellow pilot whose plane had crashed in a remote area of Labrador. The rescue operation, which involved landing on a small, snow-covered runway without any lights or navigational aids, earned the pilots the Air Force's highest award for bravery, the Airman's Medal.