1. On April 15, 1865, President Abraham Lincoln died, and Maine residents mourned his passing. Maine had fiercely supported Lincoln during the Civil War, and his assassination shook the state. A public gathering was held in Portland for citizens to pay their respects.
2. On April 15, 1912, the RMS Titanic sank in the North Atlantic Ocean. Several passengers on board the ill-fated ship had connections to Maine, including a family from Portland who lost their three children in the disaster.
3. In 1979, the Maine State Legislature designated April 15 as "Patriots' Day." The holiday honors the battles of Lexington and Concord, which marked the beginning of the American Revolution. Maine schools are closed on this day, and the state's National Guard units hold ceremonies to honor fallen soldiers.
4. On April 15, 1989, the Portland Pirates hockey team won their first-ever playoff game in franchise history. The Pirates defeated the New Haven Nighthawks 3-2 in overtime.
5. In 2013, two bombs exploded near the finish line of the Boston Marathon on April 15, killing three people and injuring hundreds of others. The tragedy had a profound impact on Maine, as several residents were runners or otherwise involved in the event. In the years since, Maine has held several events to honor the victims and support survivors.
5 Fun Facts About April 15 In Maine History
---Learn Every Day: ME Today In History Facts Texted Each Day - Text: history me To: 618-270-4005---
- Tags: ME
← Older Post Newer Post →