Augusta : Maine

In 1799, Augusta became the shire town of the newly formed Kennebec County. In 1827, the town was designated the capital of Maine, which had entered the union in 1820 as the 23rd state. The Maine Legislature met here for the first time in January, 1832. Augusta was chartered as a city in 1849.

Augusta became the capital of Maine in 1827. Part of Kennebec County, Augusta is the business and education center of a tourist-vacation area. The city which lies in the Kennebec River Valley is famous for its fertile farmlands, rich timberlands, lakes, and picturesque rolling hills. Augusta is considered one of Maine's fastest-growing cities which have undergone changes on the downtown storefronts, a new bus depot, a water-front park, and a new city hall complex.

Summers are pleasant but winters are harsh. Months of October and November often record temperatures below the freezing point. Precipitation is well distributed throughout the year.

Area : 55.4 square miles (2000)

Elevation : 120 feet above sea level

Average Temperatures : January, 19.4° F; July, 70.1° F; annual average, 45° F

Average Annual Precipitation : 41.01 inches of rain; 77 inches of snow

Population : 18,626 (as on July 2005)

Attractions

    * Children's Discovery Museum
    * Blaine House
    * Maine State Museum
    * Maine State Police Museum
    * Old Fort Western
    * Capitol Park
    * National Historic Landmark

Festivals

    * Whatever Family Festival in June