1. On October 7, 1777, the Battle of Saratoga occurred, which is considered a pivotal turning point in the American Revolutionary War. While the battle did not take place directly in Maine, many Mainers fought on behalf of the Continental Army and were instrumental in the victory against the British.

2. In 1853, the Maine State Fair opened for the first time in Bangor on October 7. The fair was a huge success, and it has been held annually in various locations throughout the state ever since.

3. On October 7, 1906, the Maine Penny was discovered in a Native American burial mound on the coast of Maine. The 10th-century Norse coin was the first artifact of its kind to be found in North America and is believed to be evidence of early European exploration in the area.

4. In 1913, the Portland Symphony Orchestra gave its inaugural performance on October 7. The orchestra has since become an important cultural institution in Maine, performing throughout the state and earning national recognition for its classical music programs.

5. On October 7, 1963, Maine Senator Margaret Chase Smith became the first woman to serve on the powerful Senate Armed Services Committee. Smith was a trailblazer for women in politics, serving in the Senate from 1949 to 1973 and earning a reputation as a fierce advocate for civil rights and social justice.