1. Maine joined the United States on July 22, 1820, becoming the 23rd state of the Union. The land was previously owned by Massachusetts until it was granted statehood by Congress.

2. On July 22, 1944, the deadliest fire in Maine's history occurred at the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey circus in Hartford. Over 160 people died tragically in the blaze.

3. In 1899, the USS Maine was launched on July 22. This ship famously exploded in Havana Harbor on February 15, 1898, leading to the start of the Spanish-American War.

4. Maine's notorious Black Fly season peaks in late July, including July 22. These tiny insects are a nuisance to many Mainers, as they swarm and bite relentlessly.

5. On July 22, 1970, longtime Maine Senator Margaret Chase Smith became the first woman to have her name placed into nomination for president at a major party's convention. She ran unsuccessfully for the Republican nomination against Richard Nixon.