The city of Augusta is the capital of Maine and the seat of Kennebec County. It is located in the south-central part of the state, about 40 miles (63 kilometers) inland from the Atlantic Ocean. The Kennebec River, which separates Augusta from its sister city of Hallowell, provides access to the ocean. The Belgrade chain of lakes lies 15 miles (24 kilometers) to the north, making the area a popular tourist destination.

Places of interest

The State House, built of granite, was designed by Charles Bulfinch and was completed in 1832. It was enlarged in 1909 and 1910. Fort Western, which was established in 1754, has been restored as a historic monument and museum. Other aspects of the state's history and natural environment are depicted in exhibits at the Maine State Museum.

People and culture

The Lithgow Public Library serves as an important center for cultural and educational activities in Augusta. Other events, including concerts, trade shows, seminars, conferences, and meetings are held in the Augusta Civic Center. Chief among the city's educational institutions is the University of Maine at Augusta, established in 1965.

Economy

The economy of Augusta is largely made up of the processing of farm and forest products. The manufacture of computer products, paper products, fabricated steel, and shoes is important, as is tourism. State government operations also contribute to the economy.

History

Its location on the Kennebec River led traders from the Plymouth colony of Massachusetts to settle in the area in 1628. They established a trading post on a site that was called Koussinoc by the Canibas Indians. The post was abandoned in the 1660s. The first permanent settlement was Fort Western, which was built to protect the site from Indian attacks. It was used as a supply base in the French and Indian War, from 1754 to 1763. Benedict Arnold later used the fort to launch an unsuccessful attack on the British in Canada. A settlement grew up around the fort, and in 1797 the village was named Augusta for Pamela Augusta Dearborn, daughter of Henry Dearborn, a Revolutionary War general. Augusta was selected as the capital of Maine in 1827, and the government was moved there in 1832. After a dam was built across the Kennebec in 1837, a cotton textile plant was built. Augusta continued to grow and was incorporated as a city in 1849. Population (1990 census), 21,325.