1. In 1820, Maine officially became the 23rd state of the United States. The state was previously part of Massachusetts until it gained statehood through the Missouri Compromise, which allowed Maine to enter as a free state and Missouri as a slave state.

2. On February 15, 1898, the USS Maine, an American naval ship, exploded and sank in Havana Harbor, Cuba, leading to the start of the Spanish-American War. The cause of the explosion remains disputed, with some attributing it to a Spanish attack and others to a naval accident.

3. The Sebasticook River in central Maine experienced a major flooding event on February 15, 1981, that caused widespread damage and several fatalities. The flooding was caused by a combination of heavy snowfall, rain, and ice jams, and many homes and businesses were destroyed.

4. On February 15, 2005, the Maine Turnpike Authority officially opened the final segment of the Maine Turnpike, which spans from Kittery to Augusta. The turnpike is a major thoroughfare in the state, connecting Maine with neighboring New Hampshire.

5. In 2013, the first-ever Maine Beer Week began on February 15, showcasing the state's burgeoning craft beer industry. The week-long celebration featured tastings, events, and promotions at various breweries and beer-centric venues throughout the state.