Located on the Kennebec River, Augusta became the capital of Maine in 1827. Augusta was chosen as the capital over several other cities, including Portland, because of its more central location within the state.
Maine State House in Augusta – Built in 1832, with Maine granite, its design was inspired by the Massachusetts State House, reflecting Maine’s history as part of Massachusetts before becoming a state in 1820. Today, the State House is where Governor and the Maine Legislature meet. The building features a distinctive copper dome topped by the Lady of Wisdom statue. We went on a 45-min guided tour of the building.
Maine State House, Hall of Flags – is located on the second floor of the capital building and modeled after the one in the Massachusetts State House. The flags displayed are replicas, with the originals preserved at the nearby Maine State Museum. These flags represent Maine military regiments from the Civil War, Spanish-American War, World Wars I and II, and the Korean Conflict, along with a POW/MIA flag honoring those missing or taken prisoner during the Vietnam War.
The Maine State House Rotunda is located at the center of the building and allows visitors to look up and view the interior of the dome.
Maine State House, House and Senate Chambers – The legislative chambers are on the third floor, with the House of representative at the end of the north wing and the Senate at the end of the South wing.
