1. In 1776, the American Revolution was in full swing, and on October 11 of that year, the Continental Congress ordered the construction of the first American navy vessels. This was a pivotal moment in the war and represented a significant step towards American independence.

2. On October 11, 1811, Maine was admitted as the 23rd state in the Union. This event was significant for Maine, as it had previously been a part of Massachusetts, and represented a new era of autonomy and self-governance.

3. In 1867, the Great Fire of Portland devastated the city, destroying 1,800 buildings and leaving over 10,000 people homeless. The fire occurred on October 11 and is considered the largest fire in Maine's history.

4. On October 11, 1900, Theodore Roosevelt, who would later become the 26th President of the United States, gave a speech in Bangor, Maine, during which he famously said, "Speak softly and carry a big stick; you will go far."

5. In 1986, a severe storm known as Hurricane Gloria hit Maine, causing widespread damage and power outages. The storm made landfall on October 11 and resulted in significant property damage and several fatalities.