1. In 1836, the Maine Legislature passed a law prohibiting the sale and manufacture of liquor in the state. Maine became the first state in the country to both prohibit alcohol and to pass a statewide prohibition law.
2. On June 15, 1864, the Battle of Petersburg began during the American Civil War. The battle lasted for over nine months and resulted in an estimated 70,000 casualties, making it one of the bloodiest battles of the war.
3. In 1929, the Pemaquid Point Lighthouse in Bristol, Maine, was reactivated after being decommissioned for several years. The lighthouse, which was first constructed in 1827, remains an important historic landmark in Maine and attracts thousands of visitors each year.
4. On June 15, 1969, the Great Northeast Blackout occurred, affecting large parts of the northeastern United States, including Maine. The blackout, which was caused by a lightning strike, lasted for over 12 hours and led to significant disruptions in transportation and communication systems.
5. In 2018, the Portland Museum of Art unveiled a new exhibition featuring the work of Winslow Homer, one of America's most celebrated painters. The exhibition, which was titled "Weatherbeaten: Winslow Homer and Maine," showcased over 35 paintings and works on paper by Homer, many of which were inspired by the coast of Maine.