1. In 1860, the State of Maine became the first state to declare March 23 as Maine Day, in honor of the state's rich history and culture. This day is celebrated to this day with parades, festivals, and other events across the state.

2. On March 23, 1820, Maine officially became the 23rd state to join the United States. The state was created from a portion of land formerly held by Massachusetts, and had long been considered a separate entity by its inhabitants.

3. In 1950, the Great Maine Blizzard struck the state on March 23, dumping over 30 inches of snow in some areas and causing widespread power outages and transportation disruptions. The storm remains one of the worst in the state's history.

4. On March 23, 1906, entrepreneur and Maine native Leon Leonwood Bean founded the L.L. Bean company, which would go on to become a major retailer of outdoor gear and clothing. Today, the company's flagship store is located in Freeport, Maine.

5. In 2013, Maine Governor Paul LePage declared March 23 as Maine Maple Sunday, a day when Mainers and visitors alike are encouraged to visit maple sugaring operations across the state and learn about the traditional process of making maple syrup. Maine is a major producer of maple syrup, with over 500,000 gallons produced annually.