1. On February 27, 1829, the state of Maine abolished the death penalty for all crimes except for murder. This made Maine one of the first states to limit the use of capital punishment.

2. In 1865, the Steamship Katahdin made its maiden voyage on Moosehead Lake, transporting passengers and cargo between towns along the lake. The Katahdin is still in operation today and is one of the oldest steam-powered vessels still in use in the United States.

3. On February 27, 1940, the Maine Coast Guard Cutter Spencer was credited with sinking a German U-boat during World War II. The U-boat had been attacking a convoy of American and British ships off the coast of Iceland when it was struck by depth charges from the Spencer.

4. In 1976, the largest recorded snowfall in Maine's history occurred on February 27 and 28. The town of Fort Kent received a total of 106 inches of snow, which caused widespread power outages and transportation disruptions throughout the state.

5. On February 27, 2010, the Portland Symphony Orchestra performed a concert featuring the works of Maine-based composer Elliott Schwartz. The concert celebrated Schwartz's 80th birthday and his contributions to the musical culture of Maine.