History of Maine, USA

1820 - Maine separated from Massachusetts and became 23rd state; first state to give suffrage, school privileges to all

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January 16, 1831 - A great snowstorm raged from Georgia to Maine. Snowfall totals greater than 30 inches were reported from Pennsylvania across southern New England.

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1839 - Governor Fairfield declared war on England due to boundary dispute between New Brunswick, northern Maine
In 1839, a boundary dispute between the United States and Great Britain over the border between the British colony of New Brunswick and the U.S. state of Maine escalated into a conflict known as the Aroostook War. Tensions had been simmering for years as settlers and lumbermen from both sides encroached on the disputed territory. The conflict reached a peak when Maine's Governor, John Fairfield, declared war on England. This declaration was largely symbolic, as it was intended to galvanize support for Maine's claims and to pressure the federal government to take a firmer stance.

Governor Fairfield's declaration led to the mobilization of militia forces from both Maine and New Brunswick, with skirmishes and arrests occurring in the contested areas. However, the conflict never escalated into full-scale war. Diplomats from both nations soon intervened, and cooler heads prevailed. The Webster-Ashburton Treaty of 1842 ultimately resolved the dispute, clearly delineating the border and... Read MORE...

1839 - Maine
MAINE
This state was originally granted by James I to the Plymouth Company, in 1606, by whom it was transfered to Mason and Gorges in 1624. This grant comprised all the territory between Merrimack river and Sagadahock. The territory was afterwards purchased by Massachusetts for £1,250, who obtained a confirmation of the charter in 1691, with the addition of the residue of Maine and Nova Scotia, including what is now called the Province of New Brunswick.

This state, formerly the district of Maine, became independent of Massachusetts in 1820. By the Constitution, the legislative power is vested in a Senate and House of Representatives, elected annually by the people, on the second Monday in September. The number of Senators cannot be less than 20, nor more than 31. The number of Representatives cannot be less than 100, nor more than 200. No town or city is entitled to more than seven representatives.

Maine is divided into the twelve following counties: York, Cumberland, Lincoln,... Read MORE...

1842 - Webster-Ashburton Treaty settled Maine/New Brunswick border dispute

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1844 - Married women in Maine become the first in the US to win the right to “separate economy”.

In 1844, Maine made a groundbreaking move in the United States by becoming the first state to grant married women the right to a "separate economy." This legal change allowed married women to retain control over their own property and earnings, rather than having these automatically transferred to their husbands upon marriage. Before this law, married women had very limited legal rights, with their property and wages becoming their husband's property, effectively rendering them economically dependent.

The enactment of this law was a significant step towards gender equality and women's rights in the United States. It paved the way for further legal reforms and set a precedent for other states to follow. This early victory in Maine highlighted the importance of economic independence as a cornerstone of women's broader fight for equal rights and social recognition, contributing to the momentum of the burgeoning women's rights movement in the mid-19th century.
theguardian.com/money/us-money-blog/2014/aug/11/women-rights-money-timeline-history

1851 - Maine first state to outlaw sale of alcoholic beverages
In 1851, Maine became the first state in the United States to pass a law prohibiting the sale of alcoholic beverages, marking a significant moment in the temperance movement. This legislation, known as the Maine Law, was championed by Neal Dow, a staunch advocate for temperance and later known as the "Father of Prohibition." The law not only banned the sale of alcohol but also made it illegal to produce or distribute it, except for medicinal, mechanical, or manufacturing purposes.

The Maine Law sparked a wave of similar legislation across other states and played a pivotal role in the broader national prohibition movement, which eventually culminated in the 18th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution in 1919. While the law faced significant opposition and was eventually repealed in 1856, it laid the groundwork for the temperance movement's efforts to curb alcohol consumption and highlighted the growing influence of social reform movements in 19th-century America.
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1869 - The Maine Senate, by a vote of 14 to 10, has passed a bill allowing physicians to obtain legitimate subjects for the dissection table.

St Joseph Herald
Saint Joseph, Michigan
March 6, 1869

1870 - There are 226,000 children in Maine between the ages of four and twenty-one, and only fifty per cent of these attend school.

St Joseph Herald
Saint Joseph, Michigan
February 26, 1870

1895 - Maine
Maine, mān, one of the New England states, and the northeasternmost state of the American Union, bounded N. by the Canadian provinces of Quebec and New Brunswick, E. by New Brunswick, S. by the Atlantic Ocean, and W. by New Hampshire and the province of Quebec. Its N.W. boundary follows for some distance the crest of a range of low mountains, a parallel outlier of the Canadian Notre Dame range. Leaving this crest, the line follows the S.W. branch of the river St. John for some distance northeast ward, and then takes a direct N.E. course to the outlet of Lake Pohenagamook. Thence eastward the rivers St. Francis and St. John bound the state on the N. The eastern boundary ascends the river St. Croix to its source, and thence strikes directly N. until the river St. John is reached. The coast of Maine (218 miles long in a right line) is in dented deeply by many bays and inlets, which increase its actual coast-line to 2500 miles and afford unrivalled harbor-facilities for shipping; and off... Read MORE...

1931 - Governor Percival Baxter purchased land in northern Maine; land donated for establishment of Baxter State Park
In 1931, Governor Percival Baxter of Maine made a significant contribution to the state's natural heritage by purchasing a substantial tract of land in northern Maine. This land, which encompasses some of the most beautiful and rugged terrain in the region, including Mount Katahdin, was purchased with the intention of preserving it for public use and enjoyment. Governor Baxter, a passionate advocate for conservation, believed that the land should be protected from development and maintained in its natural state for future generations.

Governor Baxter's vision came to fruition with the establishment of Baxter State Park, a testament to his dedication to environmental preservation. Over the years, he continued to acquire additional parcels of land to expand the park, using his personal funds. Today, Baxter State Park stands as one of Maine's most treasured natural areas, offering a haven for outdoor enthusiasts and preserving the ecological integrity of the region. The park is a... Read MORE...

1934 - State prohibition laws repealed (Maine)
In 1934, Maine repealed its state prohibition laws, marking a significant shift in the state's stance on alcohol regulation. This decision came after a long history of temperance movements and strict prohibition laws, which had been in place since the mid-19th century. Maine was one of the earliest adopters of prohibition, having enacted its first state-wide ban on alcohol in 1851 under the so-called "Maine Law." This law was a pioneering measure that inspired other states and eventually contributed to the national prohibition era with the 18th Amendment in 1920.

The repeal of prohibition laws in Maine in 1934 reflected broader national trends following the end of federal prohibition in 1933 with the ratification of the 21st Amendment. This change was driven by a combination of factors, including the widespread failure of prohibition to curb alcohol consumption, the rise of illegal bootlegging, and the economic benefits of legal alcohol sales during the Great Depression. The repeal ... Read MORE...

1947 - Forest fire destroyed over 1,000 homes, leveled seven communities, destroyed 17,000 acres of Acadia National Park

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1961 - September 22 - Hurricane Esther made a near complete circle south of Cape Cod. The hurricane then passed over Cape Cod and hit Maine.
Its energy was largely spent over the North Atlantic Ocean, however, heavy rains over Maine resulted in widespread local flooding of cellars, low roads, and underpasses.
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Here's a list of places to go and things to do in Maine:
Acadia National Park: Located on Mount Desert Island, Acadia National Park is a gem. You can explore its hiking trails, bike along carriage roads, or take a scenic drive along Park Loop Road for breathtaking views of the coast.

Portland: Maine's largest city, Portland, is known for its vibrant arts scene, historic Old Port district, and a thriving food scene. Don't miss the Portland Head Light, one of the most iconic lighthouses in the United States.

Bar Harbor: A picturesque coastal town located on Mount Desert Island, Bar Harbor is a gateway to Acadia National Park. It's charming with plenty of shops, restaurants, and outdoor activities.

Lighthouses: Maine has over 60 lighthouses along its coastline. Some of the most famous ones include Portland Head Light, Pemaquid Point Lighthouse, and Bass Harbor Head Lighthouse.

Kennebunkport: This coastal town is famous for its upscale atmosphere, lovely beaches, and the summer home of former President George H.W. Bush. Stroll... Read MORE...