1. In 1876, the University of Maine opened its doors for the first time, with 12 faculty members and 67 students in attendance. Known then as the Maine State College of Agriculture and the Mechanic Arts, the school would later become the flagship campus of the University of Maine System.

2. On September 23, 1922, the town of Bristol was devastated by a massive forest fire that burned over 30,000 acres and destroyed nearly 200 buildings. The fire, which is still considered one of Maine's worst, was fueled by a prolonged drought and high winds.

3. In 1973, the Maine State Legislature voted to abolish the state's controversial "blue laws", which had prohibited most businesses from opening on Sundays. The decision was hailed as a victory for individual freedom and commerce, but also drew criticism from some who argued that it would harm traditional values.

4. In 1996, the Penobscot Narrows Bridge opened to traffic, connecting the towns of Verona and Prospect across the Penobscot River. The bridge, which features a distinctive cable-stayed design, is one of the tallest in the eastern United States, with a height of 447 feet.

5. On September 23, 2014, Maine Governor Paul LePage sparked controversy when he allegedly made racially charged comments during a town hall meeting in North Berwick. The incident drew criticism from many, including civil rights groups and several state legislators, who called for LePage to issue a public apology.