1. On February 17, 1820, Maine was officially admitted as the 23rd state in the United States. This followed a lengthy process of negotiation and compromise surrounding Maine's relationship with neighboring state Massachusetts.

2. In 1945, on February 17, a B-24 bomber crashed during a training exercise in Mount Katahdin's shadow, killing all 10 crew members aboard. The wreckage remains on the mountain to this day as a haunting reminder of the sacrifice made by those who served their country.

3. February 17, 1817 saw the birth of Maine writer and civil rights activist Frances Ellen Watkins Harper, whose work helped to expose the cruelties of slavery and advocate for the rights of women and people of color.

4. Another notable Mainean born on February 17 was painter Alex Katz, who was born in Brooklyn in 1927 but spent many years working and living in Maine. He is known for his bold, graphic portraits and landscapes, often featuring the rugged coastal scenery of Maine.

5. Finally, February 17, 1897 saw the founding of the University of Maine, which has since grown to become the state's largest public research university, with over 10,000 students enrolled each year. The university is known for its extensive research programs in areas like climate change, engineering, and marine science, as well as for its strong athletic programs in sports like hockey and basketball.