Augusta, ME
Capital of Maine
Overview
Augusta is the capital city of Maine, located in the Northeast region of the United States. Founded in 1754, the city has grown to a population of approximately 19,136 residents within a state of 1,362,359 people. As the seat of Maine's state government, Augusta serves as the political and administrative center of the state.
The city is home to the Maine State House, a Federal / Greek Revival structure that has been a landmark since its completion in 1832. Designed by Charles Bulfinch, the capitol building stands as a testament to the state's history and governance, attracting visitors from across the country and around the world.
Augusta has served as the capital of Maine since 1832. Before Augusta, the state's capital was located in Portland.
Maine State House
The Maine State House in Augusta was designed by Charles Bulfinch, the architect of the Massachusetts State House and the U.S. Capitol. Originally a modest granite structure, it was expanded significantly in 1910 and features a copper dome topped with a gold-leafed statue of Lady Wisdom. The building is constructed from Hallowell granite quarried nearby.
Neoclassical design by Charles Bulfinch
Notable Features
- Designed by Charles Bulfinch, architect of the U.S. Capitol
- Gold-leafed Lady Wisdom statue atop the copper dome
- Constructed from locally quarried Hallowell granite
- Battle flags from the Civil War displayed inside
- Portraits of Maine governors in the halls
- Expanded and remodeled in 1910
Media Gallery
Original footage coming soon! User-submitted photos welcome.
Fun Facts & Trivia
- ★Augusta is one of the smallest state capitals in the U.S. by population, with fewer than 20,000 residents.
- ★The Maine State House was designed by Charles Bulfinch, who also designed the Massachusetts State House and worked on the U.S. Capitol.
- ★Maine was part of Massachusetts until it became its own state through the Missouri Compromise of 1820.
- ★The Lady Wisdom statue atop the dome was designed by W. Clark Noble and placed there in 1832.
- ★Augusta sits on the Kennebec River, which was a vital waterway for lumber transport in the 19th century.
- ★Maine is the only U.S. state with a one-syllable name.