There Are 3 Must-See Historic Landmarks In The Charming Town Of Augusta, Maine
By Chris Dodge|Published May 13, 2022
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Chris Dodge
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My name is Chris Dodge and I live right here in the great state of Tennessee. My family and I are full adventurers filled with passion to see the amazing things our state has to offer. We are avid hikers and have explored many different places in Tennessee and beyond but we are always thankful to be living in such a glorious state.
Augusta is filled with local history. Much thought and time have gone into preserving and caring for these historical places. We are thankful for the hard work and can enjoy them today because of it. So for our three historic landmarks in Augusta, Maine, we will be focusing on perfect places for the whole family to enjoy. These places are meant to be explored and interacted with; they are not typical historic landmarks. The kids will love these and they are perfect for any trip to Augusta.
Old Fort Western is said to have been built in 1628. It is the first on our list and the oldest by far. Sitting right on the bank of the Kennebec River, this historical site invites you to peek inside through the wooden walls surrounding it. Stepping inside will be like taking a step back in time. Explore the buildings and interact with the actors in age-appropriate attire. Fort Western is a great educational experience for the whole family. This is a seasonal sight with typical hours being 8 AM to 4:30 PM Monday through Friday, May through October. Make sure to call ahead or visit their website for tours and schedules. Take a trip through time with your family and visit Fort Western when you come to Augusta.
Capital Park was established in 1827. There are a few paths that are beautifully kept up. Along the way around your walk make sure to stop at the memorials. The Vietnam Memorial is quite a sight to see. The biggest appeal is the view of the capitol building. The towering dome can be seen from several amazing vantage points in the park. Come any time of the year and find beauty. In the winter take an afternoon stroll after freshly fallen snow. In the spring and summer see the lush green grass on their large rectangular fields. Or see the trees light with color in the fall. Bring your kids for a picnic or a walk and enjoy Capital Park.
The land for the Arboretum in Augusta was originally a farm for the State Hospital across the street. The farm was used as occupational therapy for patients who believed getting outside can be healing. The farm also created a cistern and water source for the hospital. The cistern can still be seen to this day. In the early 1900s, the piggery on site burnt down and was rebuilt to only burn again in later years. However, you can also still see sections of the piggery as well. As the land fell into history the Viles family came to establish a nonprofit in 1981. This allowed trails to be formed and a wonderful place for us to all enjoy now. There is plenty to explore and love about Viles. It can be enjoyed all year round and is always a welcomed and lovely place to take your family for a walk.
We encourage you to get out and enjoy these amazing places in our state capital. They are different from most historical sights and full of history to enjoy. Have you explored any of these three historic landmarks in Augusta Maine before? Share your experiences in the comments section!
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