1. In 1860, Abraham Lincoln became the first Republican to win a presidential election, winning Massachusetts and many northern states. This victory marked the beginning of the end for slavery in the United States, as Lincoln would later sign the Emancipation Proclamation and the Thirteenth Amendment to the Constitution.

2. In 1901, Harvard University dedicated its new stadium, now known as Harvard Stadium. The stadium, which seats over 30,000 fans, is one of the oldest and most iconic in the country, and has hosted many notable events and sports teams over the years.

3. On November 6, 1917, the Halifax Explosion occurred in Nova Scotia, Canada, causing widespread destruction and the loss of thousands of lives. Many people in Massachusetts, especially in Boston, played a key role in providing relief and assistance to the survivors, demonstrating the strong ties between the two regions.

4. In 1978, Massachusetts became the first state in the country to pass a comprehensive anti-smoking law, prohibiting smoking in public places and workplaces. This law has since been replicated in many other states and countries, and has been credited with reducing the prevalence of smoking and improving public health.

5. In 2012, Massachusetts became the first state to legalize same-sex marriage by popular vote, with a majority of voters choosing to support marriage equality. This historic moment marked a major milestone in the fight for LGBTQ rights, and has since inspired similar efforts in many other parts of the world.