1. On January 7, 1842, a massive snowstorm swept across Maine, dropping over two feet of snow in some areas. The storm lasted for several days and caused widespread damage and disruption throughout the state.

2. In 1863, on January 7, the state of Maine abolished the death penalty for all crimes except treason and murder. This made Maine one of the first states in the country to limit the use of capital punishment.

3. On January 7, 1952, Augusta native William Cohen was born. Cohen went on to become a U.S. Congressman, Senator, and Secretary of Defense under President Bill Clinton.

4. In 1974, on January 7, the Maine Supreme Judicial Court ruled that women had the right to serve on juries in the state. The ruling overturned a longstanding law that had barred women from serving on juries.

5. On January 7, 1987, Maine Governor John McKernan declared a state of emergency due to severe flooding caused by heavy rain and melting snow. The flooding caused extensive damage to roads, bridges, and buildings throughout the state.