1. In 1846, the Portland Rum Riots broke out as a result of a law that banned alcohol sales in Maine. The riots lasted for three days and resulted in the deaths of several people.

2. On May 18, 1861, the 1st Maine Heavy Artillery Regiment was formed in Portland. The regiment fought in several key battles during the American Civil War, including the Battle of Gettysburg.

3. In 1929, Ellsworth became the first city in Maine to have a radio station. WLBZ began broadcasting on May 18 of that year and is still on the air today.

4. On May 18, 1944, a B-25 bomber on a training mission crashed into the side of a mountain near Greenville, Maine. All seven crew members were killed in what is now known as the Mosquito Mountain plane crash.

5. In 1996, the Passamaquoddy Tribe of Maine received federal recognition after a long battle to gain recognition as a sovereign nation. May 18 is now recognized as Passamaquoddy Recognition Day in Maine.