Augusta, ME

Augusta, Maine

Introduction to Augusta, Maine

Augusta, located in Kennebec County is the capital of Maine and is situated near the Kennebec River. The city was named after Augusta Dearborn who was the daughter of the statesman Henry Dearborn who fought in the American Revolutionary War. In 1849 Augusta was chartered as a city.

History

In 1629 a community was established by English settlers who came from Plymouth Colony. The settlement was primarily a trading post and took the Indian name "Cushnoc" which translates to "head of tide." Fort Western, recognized as the oldest wooden fort in the country, was constructed at Cushnoc in 1754 and utilized as a supply depot and also provided protection for people living in the area. Benedict Arnold and his soldiers briefly stayed at the fort before moving on to partake in the Battle of Quebec.

The region offered very fertile soil for agriculture and the nearby streams were utilized for water power by industries in the Augusta area. The city became known as a mill town after the arrival of the Kennebec & Portland Railroad in 1851. The town also became a center for publishing and shipping. Maine was recognized as a state in 1870 and Augusta became the capital in 1827.

Activities

Augusta is home to some of the best golf courses in the state of Maine. The Kennebec Valley is well known for outdoor recreation, including bicycle riding, canoeing, fishing and hiking.

Attractions

There are numerous noteworthy sites in Augusta including:

• The Maine State Museum features exhibits of Maine's natural history, archaeology, agricultural history, industrial history and natural resources.
• The Old Western Fort is recognized as a National Historic Landmark.
• The State Capital Building offers tours to the public.
• Belgrade Lakes
• Maine Military Historical Society Museum
• Children's Discovery Museum
• The Pine Tree State Arboretum features more than 200 species of trees.
• Kennebec River Rail Trail
• Augusta Civic Center
• Historic Hallowell is known as "the gem of the Kennebec." It provides visitors with an atmosphere similar to an old world village.

Transportation

The city is served by the Augusta State Airport.

Higher Education

The University of Maine at Augusta offers students a wide variety of degrees and features the Danforth Art Gallery.

High Points

Augusta strengths, compared to Peers (similar size places nationally) or State (other places in Maine):

Category	Trophy
Racial Diversity (vs. State)	Top 5%
Public Transportation Use (vs. State)	Top 9%
Short Commute Times (vs. State)	Top 13%
Well-Paid Single Women (vs. State)	Top 13%

Comparative Profile of Augusta, ME

Comparing Augusta to similar size places nationwide (Peers) and to other places in Maine (State):

Ratings range from (lowest) to (highest).

The People

Characteristic	Compared to Peers	Compared to State
Age of the Population
Senior Citizens
Female Share of the Population
Well-Paid Single Women
Well-Paid Single Men
Male Share of the Population
Racial Diversity
Children Under 5 Years Old

Families

Characteristic	Compared to Peers	Compared to State
Portion of People Married
Average Household Size

Wealth

Characteristic	Compared to Peers	Compared to State
College Educated Adults
Median Family Income
People in Middle Class or Better
People Above Poverty

Commute & Sprawl

Characteristic	Compared to Peers	Compared to State
Short Commute Times
Working at Home
Public Transportation Use
Walking and Biking to Work

Housing

Characteristic	Compared to Peers	Compared to State
People Living Alone
Seasonal and Vacation Housing
Studio & One-Bedroom Rentals
Affordability of Rents
Affordability of Property Taxes
Housing Recently Built

Crime

Characteristic	Compared to Peers	Compared to State
Low Violent Crime
Low Property Crime

Augusta Almanac

Augusta Climate

Nearest Weather Stations

• Temp ranges are avg daily min and max for the month
• Precipitation is rainfall (and rainfall equiv of snowfall)

Augusta Population (2000)

(From 2000 Census, as reported by individuals)

Neighborhood and Nearby Area Names

According to the US Postal Service, Augusta, its neighborhoods, and/or surrounding areas are also referred to as:

Note that not all alternate names are acceptable for use in US Post Office addresses.

Nearby Cities and Towns

Augusta Public Libraries

More Information for Librarians

Augusta Hospitals

Togus VA Medical Center
(VA)
1 VA Center
(207) 623-8411 or (877) 421-8263

Wal-Mart in Augusta

Augusta High Schools (2004)

CONY HIGH SCHOOL
120 CONY STREET
207-626-2460
Serves 946 students.
Student/teacher ratio: 14.7

CAPITAL AREA TECHNOLOGY CENTER
RR 7 BOX 2520
207-626-2475
A Vocational School

Augusta Colleges

Click school name for a detailed profile.

University of Maine at Augusta

(List of All Maine Colleges)

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