1. In 1793, Revolutionary War veteran, sailor, and Maine's fourth governor, William King, was born in Scarborough. His leadership helped Maine gain its statehood in 1820.

2. On February 1, 1802, the town of Portland was incorporated by the Massachusetts legislature. The city became known for its maritime trade and was a hub for shipping and fishing.

3. In 1845, Maine's first state normal school, now the University of Maine at Farmington, was established. Its mission was to train future teachers, and it continues to do so today.

4. On February 1, 1876, American landscape painter Marsden Hartley was born in Lewiston. His works often drew inspiration from Maine's rugged coastal landscapes.

5. In 1958, Maine's first commercial television station, WABI-TV, began broadcasting from Bangor. The station is still in operation and now broadcasts to a wider area through its digital channels.