1. In 1962, Maine experienced a severe storm known as the Columbus Day Storm. The winds were so strong that they uprooted trees, snapped power lines, and destroyed buildings. The storm caused extensive damage and claimed the lives of several people.

2. On October 9, 1991, Maine celebrated Maine Day for the first time. This statewide holiday is a celebration of Maine's history, culture, and people. It is observed on the same day as Leif Erikson Day, in honor of the Norse explorer who may have been the first European to reach North America.

3. In 1779, the British ship HMS Nautilus was wrecked off the coast of Maine, near Machias. The ship was carrying a large amount of gold and silver, which was lost in the wreck. The area around the wreck is now a popular spot for divers and treasure hunters.

4. On October 9, 1967, the Maine Turnpike opened to traffic. The turnpike is a toll road that runs from Kittery to Augusta, and it has become an important transportation route for the state.

5. In 2002, the Maine State Museum opened a new exhibit called "Forgotten Frontier: Untold Stories of the Aroostook War." The exhibit explores the little-known conflict between Maine and Canada in the mid-1800s, when both countries claimed the Aroostook Valley region. The exhibit includes artifacts, documents, and interactive displays.