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April 6th, 2020 by

Maine State House Facts

As Maine celebrates its bicentennial in 2020, why not learn more about some of the historic landmarks in our area? Our REALTORS® help you get in the spirit by sharing 10 fun facts about one of Maine's most enduring symbols, the Maine State House.

  1. Augusta Beats the Competition 
    Maine officially became a state on March 15, 1820. At the time, Portland was named temporary capital by being the state's largest city, but many felt Maine would be better served with a more centrally located capital. Brunswick, Hallowell, Waterville, Belfast, and Wiscasset all threw their hats in the ring, but Augusta emerged victoriously.

  2. Maine State House Grounds Were a Bargain
    Governor William King led a public buildings commission to find an appropriate site for the State House. They settled on a 34-acre site located on Weston Hill, situated on the western side of the Kennebec River, not far from Augusta homes for sale. Motivated by state pride, a group of owners deeded the property to the government for the nominal price of $10.

  3. Born on the Fourth of July
    With extensive experience designing both the Massachusetts State House and the United States Capitol Building in Washington, noted New England architect Charles Bulfinch was commissioned to design the new State House. Amid great fanfare, the building's cornerstone was laid in place on July 4, 1829.

  4. Beauty Is Only Skin Deep
    When construction on the State House was completed in January 1832, the final bill was a relatively staggering total of $145,000. While the building was deemed one of the more modern and attractive state capitals, there were soon reports of a leaky roof as well as a malfunctioning heating system, which ultimately caused several fires. 

  5. Growing Pains
    When the State House hosted its initial legislative session on January 4, 1832, the building comfortably held all state government members. As the government expanded to meet the needs of Maine's growing population, the State House interior underwent remodels in 1852 and 1860. From 1890 to 1891, a three-story wing was added at the expense of $150,000, more than the entire cost of the original building.

  6. Who's That Lady?
    Much of the State House's present-day appearance took shape during major renovations between 1909-1910. One significant change was the replacement of the original low dome with a 150-foot copper-covered one. Sitting atop the dome is a 15-foot copper statue of a female holding a pine bough in one hand and a pine cone in the other. The official name of the statue is "Lady of Wisdom."

  7. Making the Honor Roll 
    In 1973, the State House was added to the National Register of Historic Places. Along with its significance in Maine's history, the building is notable as the only work of Charles Bulfinch for which the complete set of architectural drawings still exists.

  8. Save the Date 
    For the State House's 160th anniversary in 1989, a stainless-steel time capsule was buried near its front wall. Plans call for the time capsule to be unearthed in 2029.

  9. Welcome to the 21st Century
    After more than a century, the dome's oxidized copper sheathing was finally replaced in 2014. "Lady of Wisdom" was also regilded, bringing the total cost of the project to $1.3 million.

  10. State House Tours Are Free
    There is no admission fee for tours of the State House. Tours are conducted weekdays between 9 a.m. and noon, beginning each hour on the hour and lasting 45-60 minutes.

You don't have to be governor to find your own special "statehouse." Contact us for personalized help with your real estate needs.

Categories: Augusta, ME
Tags: Historic landmarks, Sprague & Curtis Real Estate, Family fun, Community information

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