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Plan a Visit to the Maine State House
Since separating from Massachusetts and becoming the 23rd state, Maine has created a rich history of its own. Learn about the fascinating past, present, and future of our state with a visit to the Maine State House, just minutes away from Augusta homes for sale.
History of the Maine State House
After a fierce rivalry among communities to be named the capital city, Portland emerged as the victor. But the honor proved to be temporary, as the state legislature voted in 1827 to make Augusta the permanent capital.
In order to meet the high standards befitting this honor, Maine hired famed Boston architect Charles Bulfinch to design the State House. Bulfinch's portfolio already included the Massachusetts State House as well as sections of the U.S. Capital and many prominent New England buildings.
The first meeting of the Maine Legislature in the new State House was held in 1832. Over the years, remodeling and expansion has included the addition of a west wing and the replacement of the original low dome with the high copper dome seen today.
The Maine State House complex includes the Maine State Museum and Blaine House, with Capitol Park bridging the area between the complex and the Kennebec River. While the Museum is currently closed for renovations, the State House and Blaine House are open to the public.
Visiting the Maine State House
- Public hours at the State House are 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. Admission is free.
- Walk-in guests are always welcome for self-guided tours. Guided tours are also free of charge, but they are not offered when the Legislature is in session. The 60-minute tours begin every hour on the hour from 9 a.m. - noon, and reservations are required.
- The Hall of Flags, located in the second-floor rotunda section, displays battle flags from the Civil War, Spanish-American War, both World Wars, the Korean War, and Desert Storm.
- When Brookton Grammar School was torn down in 1964, the school's bell was donated to the state. It sits at the south entrance of the State House as a tribute to the early days of public education.
- The Senate Chamber is home to a series of portraits depicting famous figures in local, regional, and national history. Two of the more prominent subjects include President Abraham Lincoln and Hannibal Hamlin, Lincoln's running mate, who was born and raised in Maine and served as Governor and Senator.
- Don't miss the exact replica of the Liberty Bell that sits on the State House lawn, facing Blaine House. The Bell is one of 50 that the U.S. Department of Treasury gave to each state in 1950 for the purpose of promoting savings bonds.
Visiting Blaine House
- Blaine House serves as the official residence of Maine Governors and their families. Portions of the building are also open for public viewing.
- There is no admission fee for guided tours of Blaine House, but reservations are required, and walk-ins cannot be accommodated.
- Tours are scheduled at 10 a.m., 10:30 a.m., and 11 a.m. each weekday. The 25-minute session takes visitors through the mansion's first-floor rooms and gives some background about teacher and political leader James G. Blaine, the home's namesake.
- Blaine House tours are recommended for ages 8 and up.
Have more questions about life in Augusta? Contact us at Sprague & Curtis and let our real estate agents provide friendly and knowledgeable assistance.