On this date in Maine history: March 19

March 19, 1897: The Maine Legislature passes a law that requires hunting guides to register with the state. The first person to sign up is Cornelia “Fly Rod” Crosby (1854-1946), a woman whose promotional activities and nationally circulated hunting and fishing stories of the Rangeley Lake area attracted thousands of visitors to the Maine woods. Crosby, […]

On this date in Maine history: March 18

On this date in Maine history: March 17

March 17, 1912: The Camp Fire Girls, a national organization now known as Camp Fire USA, is incorporated. The organization traces its origin to 1910, when co-founders Dr. Luther Halsey Gulick and his wife, Charlotte Vetter Gulick, set up a program for girls at their camping complex on Sebago Lake in Raymond. The Gulicks want […]

On this date in Maine history: March 16

March 16, 1820: Cannon salutes are fired all day in Portland to mark Maine becoming the 23rd U.S. state the previous day. A celebratory ball is held, with pro-statehood leader Gov. William King as the guest of honor. March 16, 1839: Land from Penobscot and Washington counties is set off to form Aroostook County, Maine’s 13th county. […]

Happy 200th birthday to Maine, but virus zaps the celebration

The state is celebrating the bicentennial of its liberation from Massachusetts, with or without a party.

On this date in Maine history: March 15

March 15, 1820: Maine is admitted to the Union as the 23rd U.S. state. It had been part of Massachusetts until then. William King (1768-1852), of Bath, is declared acting governor until elections can be held in April. King later wins that election. Statehood was achieved in Congress through the Missouri Compromise, which allowed Maine to become […]

Colony, Chapter V: Liberation

The War of 1812 and Boston’s complacency toward foreign occupation fuel Maine's drive for statehood.

On this date in Maine history: March 14

Maine bicentennial postage stamp to be issued this weekend

But the stamp's official Statehood Day dedication has been postponed because of concerns about coronavirus.

On this date in Maine history: March 13