1. On February 6, 1820, Maine became the 23rd state in the United States. This followed years of debate and struggle with Massachusetts, from which Maine had originally been organized as a district in 1785.

2. In 1900, February 6 saw the opening of the Katahdin Iron Works Railroad in Piscataquis County. This railroad was used to transport iron ore and timber out of the interior of Maine, and played a significant role in the state's industrial development.

3. On February 6, 1830, the Maine State Legislature approved the incorporation of the Maine Historical Society. This organization has played an important role in preserving and promoting the state's history, and operates a museum and research library in Portland.

4. In 1912, February 6 marked the first day of the Great Brownville Ice Harvest. This massive endeavor involved cutting ice from Sebec Lake and shipping it by rail to cities as far away as Boston, where it was used for refrigeration in the days before electrically-powered refrigerators.

5. February 6, 1942 saw the launch of the SS Limerick, a Liberty Ship built at the South Portland Shipyard during World War II. This ship was part of the massive effort to build and supply the Allies' fleets, and was named for the city of Limerick, Maine.