City Town Info

Augusta, ME


  • Overview
  • Almanac
  • People
  • Local
  • Schools
  • Comments

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.

Yellow Pages Trussville, Alabama

High Points

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

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

Comparative Profile of Augusta, ME

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

Ratings range from 1 (lowest) to 10 (highest).


The People

CharacteristicCompared
to Peers		Compared
to State
Age of the Population97
Senior Citizens89
Female Share of the Population710
Well-Paid Single Women69
Well-Paid Single Men58
Male Share of the Population41
Racial Diversity210
Children Under 5 Years Old24

Families

CharacteristicCompared
to Peers		Compared
to State
Portion of People Married21
Average Household Size11

Wealth

CharacteristicCompared
to Peers		Compared
to State
College Educated Adults56
Median Family Income46
People in Middle Class or Better45
People Above Poverty33

Commute & Sprawl

CharacteristicCompared
to Peers		Compared
to State
Short Commute Times89
Working at Home83
Public Transportation Use710
Walking and Biking to Work69

Housing

CharacteristicCompared
to Peers		Compared
to State
People Living Alone1010
Seasonal and Vacation Housing92
Studio & One-Bedroom Rentals910
Affordability of Rents88
Affordability of Property Taxes52
Housing Recently Built32

Crime

CharacteristicCompared
to Peers		Compared
to State
Low Violent Crime62
Low Property Crime21
Detailed pages on related topics: Colleges in Augusta, Augusta mortgage and property, Augusta travel

You are visiting:
All States > Maine > Augusta

Additional Details

Augusta CollegesAugusta Colleges
Augusta colleges and trade schools.
Augusta Hotels & TravelAugusta Hotels & Travel
Augusta hotels, landmarks, tourism, transportation.
Augusta MortgageAugusta Mortgage
Augusta property, mortgage, and real estate.

Additional Resources


Large City Map