Augusta is the charming capital city of the state of Maine. It is located along the scenic Kennebec River, and it’s history dates back to the early 17th century when English settlers from the Popham Colony explored the area in 1607. The region was originally inhabited by the Algonquian-speaking Native Americans, but settlers changed the history. In 1625, representatives of the Plymouth Colony established a trading post on the east shore of the Kennebec River, which later became known as Cushnoc. The settlement grew, and Fort Western was built in 1754 to protect the area. Augusta was officially incorporated as a town in 1797 and became the state capital in 1827.

Since then, Augusta has grown and developed as one of the US capitals. The most well-known and prominent landmark in Augusta is the Maine State House, the name of the capitol building. It was designed by the renowned architect Charles Bulfinch, and the State House was completed in 1832 in an impressive neo-classicist architecture. The building features a large dome and a grand rotunda, and the Maine State House is a must-visit for visitors to Augusta. Furthermore, the State House grounds are beautifully landscaped and include several monuments and memorials.

You can take a walk in Capitol Park to the Kennebec River across the street to the east from Maine State House. To the north is the Blaine House, also known as the Governor’s Mansion. Blaine House was built in 1833, and it was donated to the State of Maine for use as a governor’s residence by Harriet Blaine Beale in 1919. Since then, the house has been the official residence of the governor of Maine. It stands as an excellent example of Federal-style architecture and is open for guided tours.

On the other side of the Kennebec River, you can visit another of the significant historical sites in Augusta. It is Old Fort Western, which was constructed in 1754, and the wooden fort is one of the oldest surviving structures of its kind in the United States. Today, Old Fort Western operates as a museum. At a visit to the well-preserved buildings you can explore the colonial life and the fort’s role in the region’s history. From the fort, there is a great view to the waterfront of downtown Augusta.

Continuing to downtown Augusta, you can see several heritage buildings that showcase a variety of architectural styles. Water Street forms the high street, and the Old Post Office and Court House is worth seeing. It was built 1886–1890, and it is one of Maine’s finest surviving examples of Romanesque Revival architecture. From here you can stroll Water Street to experience the small-town historical charm of the capital city. For history enthusiasts, the Maine State Museum is a great place to visit. The museum features exhibits on Maine’s natural and cultural history with stories from the Native American heritage, industrial history, and much more.