1. In 1797, Maine's second governor, William King, was inaugurated on January 12. King is known as the "Father of Maine Statehood" for his efforts to separate Maine from Massachusetts and establish it as an independent state.

2. The historic Portland Observatory, built in 1807, began operating as a maritime signal tower on January 12 of that year. The tower was used to communicate information about incoming ships to merchants and ship owners in Portland.

3. On January 12, 1853, the first issue of the Portland Daily Press was published. The newspaper quickly became the leading daily newspaper in Maine, known for its coverage of local news and politics.

4. Maine's first designated state park, Wolfe's Neck Woods State Park, was established on January 12, 1969. The park, located in Freeport, features hiking trails, salt marshes, and views of the Casco Bay islands.

5. The Maine Women's Lobby, a nonpartisan organization dedicated to promoting policies that benefit women and families, was founded on January 12, 1978. The group has successfully advocated for a range of issues, including equal pay, reproductive rights, and domestic violence prevention.