1. In 1911, the Maine State Building was dedicated at the Alaska-Yukon-Pacific Exposition in Seattle, Washington. The building served as a showcase of Maine's industries and attractions, and featured exhibits on lumbering, fishing, and shipbuilding.

2. On July 17, 1918, the steamship SS William Rockefeller, carrying a cargo of gasoline, caught fire and exploded in the harbor at Portland, Maine. The blast killed 10 people and caused extensive damage to the waterfront and surrounding area.

3. In 1947, a swarm of 80 earthquakes struck the Boothbay Harbor region of Maine over the course of several weeks. The largest quake, which occurred on July 17, registered a magnitude of 5.1 and caused significant damage to buildings and roads.

4. On July 17, 1960, the U.S. Navy launched the world's first nuclear-powered submarine, the USS Nautilus, from its shipyard in Groton, Connecticut. The Nautilus went on to set numerous records for submerged endurance and speed, and played a key role in Cold War naval operations.

5. In 1998, Maine residents voted to approve the use of medical marijuana for patients with certain debilitating medical conditions. The legislation made Maine the fifth state in the U.S. to legalize medical cannabis, and paved the way for broader legalization efforts in years to come.