1. On November 17, 1848, John Albion Andrew was elected as the Governor of Maine. He went on to become an important figure in the abolitionist movement and served as governor during the Civil War.

2. The first transatlantic telegraph message was sent on November 17, 1866, connecting Maine with Europe. The message was sent from Newfoundland to Ireland, marking a major milestone in communication technology.

3. On November 17, 1890, Maine's first state-owned statue was unveiled in Portland. The statue, called "The Maine Volunteer," is a tribute to the soldiers who fought in the Civil War.

4. One of the deadliest fires in Maine's history occurred on November 17, 1947. The Great Fires of Maine destroyed over 200,000 acres of land and led to the deaths of 16 people.

5. In 1970, the Penobscot River was designated as a National Wild and Scenic River on November 17. The river is one of Maine's most important waterways and provides habitat for many species of fish and wildlife.