1) On October 31, 1861, the state of Maine officially recognized Thanksgiving as a holiday, making it the first state to do so.

2) On October 31, 1900, the Penobscot River experienced one of the worst floods in Maine history, causing over $19 million in damages and displacing thousands of people.

3) Halloween is celebrated on October 31st in Maine and has been a popular holiday in the state for many years. In the 1800s, Halloween was celebrated with bonfires, parades, and games like bobbing for apples.

4) On October 31, 1941, the USS Reuben James, a World War II destroyer, was torpedoed by a German submarine off the coast of Iceland. The ship sank quickly, killing 115 of the 160 crew members, including many from Maine.

5) October 31 has also been the date of several significant political events in Maine history, including the signing of the Maine State Constitution in 1820 and the first meeting of the Maine State Legislature in 1822.