History of Augusta, Maine, USA

1754 - Augusta, Maine founded
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.
maineanencyclopedia.com/ augusta/
wikipedia.org

1797 - Augusta 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.
http://maineanencyclopedia.com/augusta/

1832 - State capital established in Augusta

1839 - Augusta
Augusta, Maine
This delightful town, the Capital of the state and chief town of the county of Kennebec, is in N. Lat. 44°18'43" and W. Lon. 6°50'. It lies 146 miles N.E. from Concord, N.H.; 182 E.N.E. from Montpelier, Vt.; 163 N.N.E. from Boston, Mass.; 203 N.N.E. from Providence, R.I.; 260 N.E. from Hartford, Ct.; and 595 miles N.E. from Washington. Augusta is situated at the head of sloop navigation on Kennebec river, 43 miles from the sea. The town lies on both sides of the Kennebec, and contains an area of 8 by 6 miles. It was first settled in 1771, and incorporated in 1797. In 1836 it contained 6,300 inhabitants. Its Indian name was Cushnoe. There was, in its early settlement, a fort, and four block houses built of timber, to afford protection to the inhabitants from the Indians, who were then very troublesome. The fort was called Fort Western, and is still standing on the east bank of the river, and is now occupied as a dwelling house. This is already a very flourishing town,... Read MORE...

On August 20, 1849, Augusta was incorporated as a city.

http://maineanencyclopedia.com/augusta/

1853 - Destructive Fire at Augusta, Me., - Several Mills, &c., in Ruins - Large Number of Workmen thrown out of Employment.
AUGUSTA. Saturday, Sept. 3. About 2 o'clock this morning a destructive fire broke out in the spool factory of HARNDEN & LELAND, and spread speedily, communicating to the large machine-shop used by the railroad company, and to a four-mill, saw-mills, grist-mills, and two drying houses. The loss is estimated at $75,000 - partly insured. Many people are thrown out of employment.
The New York Times
New York, New York
September 5, 1853

1854 - Augusta
Augusta, a city, seat of justice of Kennebec county, Maine, and capital of the state, at the head of sloop navigation, on the Kennebec river, 43 miles from its mouth by railroad. It is 60 miles N. N. E. from Port land, 65 miles S. W. from Bangor, and 105 N. N. E. from Boston. The city is situated principally on the right bank of the Kennebec river, which is here crossed by a bridge 520 feet long. A short distance westward from the river the ground suddenly rises to a considerable elevation, after which the ascent is very gradual. On this elevation are most of the residences and hotels. The business portion of the city is principally along the bank of the river under the hill. The state house, a noble structure of whitish granite, about half a mile south from the city, occupies an eminence commanding a wide and varied prospect. Immediately in front is a spacious park, handsomely adorned with walks and shade-trees. On the east side of the river is the United States Arsenal, surrounded... Read MORE...

1859
AUGUSTA, the capital of the state of Maine, U. S, in Kennebec co. It is situated on both sides of the Kennebec river, at the head of the slooping navigation, 43 m. from the ocean, in N lat. 44 19, W long. 69 50; 146 m. NE of Concord. Pop. in 1810, 1,805; in 1840, 5,314. Two sections of the town are connected by a bridge 520 ft. in length. The principal buildings are the state-house, the United States' arsenal; the state asylum for the insane; and the high-school. An immense dam is thrown across the Kennebec half-a-mile above the town; the lake or pond formed by this dam covers 1,200 acres.
A Gazetteer of the World: Or, Dictionary of Geographical Knowledge, Publisher A. Fullarton, 1859

1865 - Fire
On Saturday, Sept. 16, 1865, occurred in Augusta the most destructive fire that had up to that date occurred in the State. The entire business portion of the city was destroyed, the fire extending from the passenger bridge to Winthrop-street, and from the river to above the railroad track, leaving everything a smoking mass of ruins. All the lawyers' offices and banks, two hotels, the post-office, express and telegraph offices, all the dry goods, book and clothing stores, and a large unfinished depot were destroyed. More than forty buildings, occupied as places of business by over one hundred individuals and firms, were burnt. This was also supposed to be an incendiary fire. The loss was estimated at $250,000.
The New York Times
New York, New York
July 10, 1866

1867 - A Cotton Mill Destroyed at Augusta, Me.
AUGUSTA, Me., Thursday, March 14. The cotton-batting mill in this city was destroyed by fire at noon to-day. The machinery and a large quantity of cotton were destroyed. Loss $20,000.
The New York Times
New York, New York
March 15, 1867

1867 - Destructive Fire in Augusta, Me.
AUGUSTA, Me., Thursday, Dec. 19. A large building, the property of the A & W Sprague Manufacturing Company, of Providence, R. I., and occupied by several firms for the manufacture of sash, blinds and doors, furniture and other wood works, a grist-mill, salt manufactory, machinist, &c., was totally destroyed by fire this afternoon. The total loss is about $80,000, with no insurance.
The New York Times
New York, New York
December 20, 1867

1868 - Destruction of a Government Building by Fire at Augusta, Me.
AUGUSTA, Me., Wednesday, Aug. 5. A building, one hundred and thirty feet long, situated on the United States Arsenal grounds, used as a stable, wood house and hospital, was destroyed this morning by fire. The Government lost a large quantity of wood, two horses, harness, farm tools, hay and a fire engine. Major Gilbreath lost a valuable horse. The loss is estimated at $5,000, and it is suppose to be this work of an incendiary. This is the second fire on the grounds within a month.
The New York Times
New York, New York
August 6, 1868

1886 - Augusta
Augusta, the capital of the State and shire town of Kennebee County, is situated upon both sides of the Kennebec River, its north-western part being near the centre of the county of Kennebec. The towns of Sidney and Vassalboro form its northern boundary, Windsor, the eastern, Chelsea and Hallowell the southern and Manchester the western. The territory extends about 10 miles from east to west, and 6 from north to south. Its principal streams are Kennebec River, Bond Brook, and Woromontogus Stream. The pond of the same name in the eastern part of the town, is the largest of the ponds, containing 1 & 3/ 4 square miles. Others are Three-cornered Pond, Spectacle, Dam, Tolman, Greely, Little Togus, and several smaller. The surface of the town is uneven, but there are no high hills. The underlying rock is granite. The soil is productive, and the town has long been noted for the excellence of its agriculture, and the fine quality of its domestic animals. There is but one village. The Maine... Read MORE...

1888 - Schooners Fast in the Ice
AUGUSTA, Me., Nov. 24. - The Kennebec river closed to navigation Thursday night, ten days earlier than usual. It is solidly frozen over between Gardiner and Brown's Island. There are seven schooners caught in the ice between this city and Gardiner.
The Daily City News
New Castle, Pennsylvania
November 24, 1888

1895 - Augusta
Augusta, the capital of Maine and of Kennebec co., is principally situated on the right or W. bank of the Kennebec River, 44 miles from its mouth. Lat. 44° 19 N.; lon. 69° 50' W. By railroad it is 62 miles N.N.E. of Port land, and 75 miles S.W. of Bangor. It is at the head of navigation from the sea, and is on the Maine Central Rail road, which here crosses the Kennebec River by a bridge 1100 feet long. There is a fine granite state-house, rebuilt and enlarged in 1890 at a cost of $150,000, and on the E. side of the river is the state asylum for the insane (to which large additions costing $250,000 were made in 1889– 90), and a United States arsenal. A United States government building, containing the post-office, pension-office, and court-house, and costing $192,000, was built in 1888–90. Augusta contains a city court-house, enlarged and rebuilt in 1891, 10 churches, 5 banks, 5 large cotton-mills, a pulp mill, and printing-offices which issue a daily, 4 weekly, and 9 monthly... Read MORE...

1896 - BLOW TO AUGUSTA. The Fine New Opera House Block Burned.
Contained Theater, City Offices and Stores on Ground Floor.

Thought Fire Crackers Caused the Ruin and Heavy Loss.

AUGUSTA, Me., July 4. – The Opera House block was destroyed by fire tonight, the fire being discovered shortly before midnight.

It was rebuilt at a cost of $40,000 by Hon. J. Manchester Haynes in the summer of 1891.

On its site stood Granite Hall block, destroyed by fire in 1890.

It is not now known whether the block will be rebuilt or not. Its loss will be much felt in Augusta as it contained the fine Opera House. It contained also city government and city treasurer’s rooms and offices.

On the street floor were the store of E. W. Church, grocer; Augusta Deposit and Trust Company, café, and Charles K. Partridge, druggist. It is located opposite the post office and the total loss will probably reach $60,000 of which there is partial insurance on the building.

The fire is supposed to have caught in the rear in a sub-passageway.

The cause is supposed... Read MORE...

1904 - $200,000 FIRE IN AUGUSTA, ME.
Two Blocks in Trade Centre of the City Burned Over.

AUGUSTA, Me., Jan. 7. - Two large brick blocks in the trade centre of the city and occupied by the First National Bank and several stores were burned here to-day. The loss is estimated at $200,000.

The flames were first noticed near the furnace in the basement of Whitman & Adam's store and spread rapidly. Soon the aspect of the fire was so threatening that the combined fire forces of Waterville, Gardiner, and Hallowell fought for five hours before they stopped the blaze.

The heaviest losers are Whitman & Adams, whose dry goods store was the largest in Augusta. Their damage is placed at $60,000. Chief Engineer Ricker of the Fire Department was overcome by smoke and several firemen were hurt by falling glass.
The New York Times
New York, New York
January 8, 1904

1916
Augusta, the capital of Maine and of Kennebec co., is situated principally on the right or W. bank of the Kennebec River, 44 miles from its mouth. Lat. 44° 19' N. ; Lon. 69° 45' W. By rail it is 62 miles NNE. of Portland and 75 miles SW. of Bangor. It is at the virtual head of navigation from the sea, and is on the Maine Central R., which here crosses the Kennebec River by a bridge 1100 feet long. There is a fine granite state-house, rebuilt and enlarged in 1890, and on the E. side of the river is the state asylum for the insane and a United States arsenal. A United States government building, containing the post-office and court-house, was built in 1888-90. Augusta contains a city court-house and the state library, with about 65,000 volumes, and has large cotton-, pulp- and paper-mills, and numerous other manufacturing industries, for which the river affords abundant water-power. Pop. in 1890, 10,527; in 1900, 11,663.
Lippincotts New Gazetteer: A Complete Pronouncing Gazetteer Or Geographical Dictionary of the World, Containing the Most Recent and Authentic Information Respecting the Countries, Cities, Towns, Resorts, Islands, Rivers, Mountains, Seas, Lakes, Etc., in Every Portion of the Globe, Part 1 Angelo Heilprin Louis Heilprin - January 1, 1916 J.B. Lippincott - Publisher

1961 - November 13 - WCBB TV channel 10 in Augusta, ME (PBS) begins broadcasting

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2023 - Whether you're a resident or just passing through, here's a list of places to go and things to do in Augusta:
Maine State House: Start your visit with a tour of the Maine State House. This beautiful building is home to the state government and is a stunning example of classical architecture. You can learn about the state's history and government as you explore the interior.

Maine State Museum: Located right next to the State House, this museum offers a fascinating look into Maine's history, culture, and natural heritage. It has an impressive collection of artifacts and exhibits that cover everything from Native American history to maritime traditions.

Kennebec River Rail Trail: If you're a fan of outdoor activities, the Kennebec River Rail Trail is a great place to walk, run, bike, or simply enjoy the scenic views along the Kennebec River. It's a peaceful and picturesque trail that's perfect for a leisurely afternoon.

Viles Arboretum: This 224-acre public garden and arboretum is a hidden gem in Augusta. It's a peaceful place to take a stroll among various plant collections, including ... Read MORE...