Did you know that Augusta, Maine is America’s third least-populated capital city?But that’s not all this capital city is known for! People are increasingly flocking to this serene city, which is one of the best places to settle in the United States.First inhabited in the 1600s, the city of Augusta has seen a lot of history, which is reflected in its people and culture today. So, read on about this charming New England city and if you like what you see, plan a visit!Population Of AugustaAs of the 2020 census, the city’s population was 18,899. Its population density has been calculated to be 341 people per sq mi (131.5 people per sq km). It is the ninth-largest city in Maine in terms of population, with Portland being the largest. Augusta is the principal city of the Augusta-Waterville, ME Metropolitan Statistical Area which includes all of Kennebec County.Augusta is located on the Kennebec River at its confluence with the Sebasticook River in central Maine. The city developed as a trading post on the river during colonial times; it was later noted for water power development and textile manufacturing. Today mill buildings continue to dominate downtown Augusta along Water Street near Head of Falls Park.Though the population of Augusta is predominantly Caucasian, there are a large number of retirees and a significant number of immigrants from Somalia and other African countries. The Somali community in Augusta is one of the largest in Maine, numbering around 500 individuals as of 2014. There are also sizable populations of Franco-Americans (descendants of French Canadian immigrants) and Irish-Americans, as well as smaller numbers of English-speaking Canadians, Italians, Portuguese, and Poles. While many residents trace their ancestry to England or Ireland, few still speak these languages at home. English is by far the predominant language spoken in Augusta.Augusta is Maine’s state capital and the county seat of Kennebec County, making it an important center of government and commerce in the region. The city is also home to several colleges and universities, including the University of Maine at Augusta, Kennebec Valley Community College, and Cony High School. The University of Maine is the third largest amongst the University of Maine With its central location and diverse population, Augusta offers residents a unique blend of small-town charm and big-city amenities.Culture Of AugustaToday, Augusta is a vibrant city with a thriving economy and a rich cultural scene. The city is home to numerous museums and historical sites, as well as a variety of arts and entertainment venues. There are also plenty of opportunities for outdoor recreation, thanks to the Kennebec River and the nearby mountains. Whether you’re looking to experience the history of Augusta or enjoy its modern amenities, there’s something for everyone in this charming Maine city.History Of AugustaEnglish settlers first inhabited the area that came to be the city of Augusta in 1628, who were part of the Plymouth colony. It was originally a post for trading fur on the banks of the Kennebec River. They originally called it Cushnoc (‘head of the tide’ in the language of the Native Americans). It was then sold in 1661 and remained uninhabited for the next 75 years.The next inhabitants of the land were the Kennebec people. Though they got along well with British settlers in the area, there was hostility between them and the British settlements further upriver.Among increased hostility, the Kennebec people and their allies stormed Fort Richmond in 1722. This angered the British, who attacked the settlement in 1724 and took control of the Kennebec area.Soon after, the English built a wooden fort on the eastern bank of the Kennebec River at Cushnoc during the French-Indian war in 1754. Fort Western is still standing today. Fort Western is America’s oldest wooden fort. It was also used as a base during the American Revolutionary War.Cushnoc was included as a part of the town Hallowell in the year 1771. It was called ‘The Fort’ until 1797 when it was renamed Harrington and made a city of its own. However, it was soon renamed after Augusta Dearborn as Augusta, who was the daughter of the American statesman and American Revolutionary War veteran Henry Dearborn.Maine was declared a state in 1820. Augusta became Maine’s new state capital in 1827 after winning a close vote against Portland, Brunswick, and Hallowell who had also been vying for the honor.After the city was declared Maine’s capital, the city’s industries began to take off. The first established industry was agriculture. The nearby streams provided irrigation and hydropower, and the soil was deemed excellent for growing crops. A dam was built on the Kennebec in 1937 to harness hydro energy, and 1838 saw the construction of 10 sawmills.The Kennebec & Portland Railroad was established in 1851, which helped transport goods produced in the mills, helping establish Augusta as an important shipping center. This was followed by the installation of gas lights in 1859 and the building of a local hospital in the year 1898. Most of the city’s businesses have been concentrated on the west bank of the Kennebec river throughout Augusta’s history.A trolley line was built in 1890, connecting Augusta to Hallowell and Gardiner. This has since been replaced with buses.A film production studio was built in the early 20th century, along with two movie houses. A small public-use airport called the Augusta State Airport was approved by the state legislature in 1929, and completed in 1934. Locals can catch flights to Bostons Logan Internation Airport from here, which will take them to anywhere in the world.Today, the city has a private school, five public schools, and a major University (The University of Maine). The history of the city can be observed at the Maine State Museum. Augusta is also home to the Maine National Guard.Government And Economy Of AugustaThe city of Augusta, Maine has a City Council led by the mayor, which handles the day-to-day activities of the local government. The City Council conducts its affairs with the Capitol Building (also called the Maine State House) as its base. The city officials are responsible for passing local laws, overseeing the legislature of the city, and setting the local tax rate. It recognizes the Mayor as the official head of the city. The current mayor, Mark O’Brien, was elected on January 6, 2022.As Maine becomes increasingly recognized as a retirement destination, the city’s economy has begun to shift from its traditional reliance on manufacturing to a more service-based foundation. Retail, healthcare, and tourism are the biggest sectors of the local economy. Higher education, supplied by the esteemed University of Maine also contributes heavily to its economy.Biodiversity In AugustaThe city of Augusta was built on the banks of the River Kennebec, which hosts numerous species of marine fish which travel upriver to spawn. This includes Atlantic salmon, chinook salmon, sockeyes, and many more.Maine is also home to a number of deciduous forests, wetlands, pine forests, and even tundra way up north! The state of Maine is over 442 plant and animal species, many of which can be observed in lands surrounding the capital city.
Did you know that Augusta, Maine is America’s third least-populated capital city?
