Collier's New Encyclopedia (1921)/Augusta (Maine)

AUGUSTA, city, capital of the State of Maine, and county-seat of Kennebec co.; on the Kennebec river, and the Maine Central railroad; 63 miles N. E. of Portland. The city is built on both sides of the river on a series of terraces, the principal part being on the W. bank. It was first permanently settled by traders from Massachusetts in 1754; was incorporated under the name of Hallowell, in 1771; was reduced by the setting-off of Hallowell in 1797; became the capital of the State in 1831; and received a city charter in 1849. In the State House is the State library, a notable collection of portraits of American statesmen, and, in the rotunda, an impressive array of the Civil War battle flags of the Maine Volunteers. In the principal park is a Soldiers' and Sailors' monument. On the E. side of the river are the State Asylum for the Insane, and United States arsenal. Four miles from Augusta is a National Soldiers' Home. The principal manufactures, which are promoted by an abundant water power, are cotton goods, paper, wood pulp, and lumber. The city is lighted by electricity, and has electric street railways, several National banks, high school, Lithgow Public Library, a number of weekly periodicals, etc. Pop. (1910) 13,211; (1920) 14,114.