 Augusta, a city in Kennebec County on the Kennebec River, was incorporated on February 20, 1797, from a portion of Hallowell, as the town of Harrington. Its name was change to Augusta on June 9th of that year. On August 20, 1849, it was incorporated as a city and has been the State Capital since 1832 when the State House was first occupied. Originally known as Cushnoc, it was the site of the Plymouth Pilgrims’ trading post in their Kennebec Patent beginning in 1628.
Although there may have been nearly one hundred inhabitants in the area in 1675, the Second Indian War (1689-1697) forced an exodus. The stone fort of 1713 could not prevent devastation from later wars.
In 1754 the famous Fort Western was constructed and, under the command of Captain James Howard. The secure area attracted trappers and, eventually, permanent settlers.
The State government complex, once primarily located on the west side of the Kennebec River near the State House, has expanded to the area of the Augusta Mental Health Institute (AMHI) on the east side. The State House and the State Office Building, now named for Governor Burton Cross of Augusta, both have had recent extensive renovations expected to be complete in 2001.
The Blaine House, once the home of James G. Blaine, is the official home of Maine's governors and open for public tours.
Augusta is also home to a branch of the University of Maine, to the Augusta Civic Center with a major auditorium, and to Fort Western, a museum and learning center.
The Pine Tree State Arboretum has 200 acres of rolling hills and meadows, mature pine and hardwoods and open woodlands provide a rich variety of colors and a diversity of habitats. Ponds and bird houses attract a variety of wildlife.
From Maine: An Encyclopedia (www.themaineencyclopedia.com)
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