Augusta Landmarks and Monuments

(Augusta, Maine - ME, USA)

Many of the most important sights and most imposing landmarks within Augusta tend to radiate outwards from Capitol Park, adding much character to this part of the city.

No state capital would really be considered complete without its very own Capitol building, and in Augusta, the Maine State House serves that role. Built between the years of 1820 and 1832, the State House was designed by the acclaimed Boston architect Charles Bulfinch.

Lying just across from the Maine State House, on its northern side, is the Blaine House, which is also often referred to as the Governor's Mansion and the Executive Mansion. Built in the early 1830s, this regal landmark was later donated to the state in 1919, for use as a family residence for the state governor. To the south, the Maine State Library and State Museum share a grand modern building.

Maine State House

Address: 230 State Street, Augusta, Maine (ME), 04333, USA
Tel: +1 207 287 5600
Over the years, considerable remodeling work has been carried out on the Maine State House, the most significant of which took place in 1909 and 1910, when much of the structure was demolished and the overall length was doubled to more than 90 meters / 295 feet. The original front was preserved, although a new, elevated dome was added, along with a rotunda of stone columns, raising the overall height to approximately 56 meters / 184 feet. Guided tours will reveal the grand proportions of the interior and the numerous portraits of past local governors, politicians and influential members of the community.
Open hours: guided tours, Monday to Friday - 09:00, 10:00, 11:00 and 12:00
Admission: free

Old Fort Western

Address: 16 Cony Street, Augusta, Maine (ME), 04330, USA
Tel: +1 207 626 2385
Old Fort Western is to be found on the northeastern side of downtown Augusta, standing on Cony Street and right next to the Kennebec River. Constructed all the way back in the 1750s and awarded National Historic Landmark status more than 200 years later, in 1973, this former colonial outpost was built to promote settlement in this part of Maine. The buildings were thoroughly restored in 1919, after falling into a state of decay, and subsequently opened to the general public. Of note, this is actually the most historic wooden log fort in the whole of the USA.
Open hours: late May to early September, daily - 13:00 to 16:00; mid-September to early October, Saturday and Sunday - 13:00 to 16:00; November, December and January, 1st Sunday - 13:00 to 15:00; March, 4th Sunday - 13:00 to 15:00
Admission: charge, discounts available for children, children six years old and under are free, Augusta residents are free

Blaine House (Governor's Mansion)

Address: 192 State Street, Augusta, Maine (ME), 04330, USA
Tel: +1 207 287 2121
The stately James G. Blaine House is a very noteworthy building in Augusta city center, which functions as the official residence of Maine's governor. In 1964, the mansion gained the prestigious title of National Historic Landmark and today, can be viewed by first phoning ahead to arrange a convenient time. The grounds are especially impressive and include a formal New England garden with seasonal flower beds.
Open hours: May to October, Tuesday to Thursday - 14:00 to 16:00
Admission: self guided tour only by appointment

Samantha Smith Statue

Address: 230 State Street, Augusta, Maine (ME), 04333, USA
Standing close to the Maine State Museum and Capitol Park, the Samantha Smith Statue remembers the short life of this young girl (1972 to 1985). Samantha Reed Smith lived in neighboring Manchester and was a peace activist who became famous after writing to soviet leader Yuri Andropov to explain her concerns about the possibility of a nuclear war. Andropov not only replied but arranged for her to visit the Soviet Union as a Goodwill Ambassador for America, which quickly created something of a media circus. Sadly, Samantha died just two years later, after she was involved in a plane crash.
Open hours: daily - 24 hours
Admission: free