Learn about life in New England in the 18th and 19th centuries during a guided tour at one of the oldest surviving wooden forts in the USA.
Get a glimpse into life in Maine during the 1700 and 1800s at Old Fort Western. Join costumed characters for a tour of this historic fort, inspect exhibitions of original artifacts and watch demonstrations of the activities that have taken place here over its 250 year lifespan. Established in 1754, Old Fort Western is the nation’s oldest still-standing log fort and a designated National Historic Landmark.
Old Fort Western began as a garrison for British soldiers and protected the head of navigation on the Kennebec River. In 1775, the military general Benedict Arnold took control and operated an assembly point prior to continuing his expedition to Quebec during the American Revolution. It later became a private residence, a cheap lodging for mill laborers and a storehouse.
Look inside the rooms of the main house, which were largely occupied by the family members of the James Howard Company. Examine examples of period furniture and see a kitchen set up to resemble the process of bread making. See farming equipment, ceramics and tableware in the storehouse exhibit. Spot goods, including animal hides and oak staves, used by customers to purchase items from the store. Browse an exhibition of wares traded between Britain, the Kennebec River region and the West Indies.
Meet and chat with actors dressed in traditional clothing associated with the fort’s different eras. Observe reenactments of military drills and cooking demonstrations.
The fort is located across the Kennebec River from downtown Augusta. It’s a 5-minute walk from the Water Street retail and dining district. Other major city attractions, such as the Maine State Museum and Children’s Discovery Museum, are less than a 10-minute drive from the fort.
Old Western Fort is open from Wednesday to Monday between late May and early September. From September to October it is open on weekends only. There is an admission fee, which includes the guided tour. Discounts are available for children, seniors and families. Check the fort’s official website for full details.
