Augusta homes for sale sit in the midst of one of the most desirable places to live in America. When you choose Maine for your new home, you'll enjoy the best in amenities along with a vibrant and beautiful history that comes to life in our within our cities.

Our Augusta real estate agents never tire of showing folks what the Pine Tree State has to offer. Old Fort Western is one example of local history preserved and protected for everyone to enjoy. Guides have been interpreting this 1754 National Historic Landmark every season for years – and it's waiting for you to visit here in Augusta.

Fort Western: A Landmark That Changed the History of the Region

Lasting more than 260 years, Fort Western has the distinction of being America's oldest wooden fort. It was built by a private company, Kennebec Proprietors, which enjoyed the patronage of the British crown and the local Massachusetts Province government.

The purpose of the fort and the burgeoning community around it was to counterbalance the influence of the French in the region. English colonists were concerned about the French military as well as the possibility of conflict with local Native American peoples.

It also served as a supply and trading hub for the much larger Fort Halifax 17 miles away.

In the long history of upheaval before, during, and after the American Revolution, Fort Western escaped surprisingly unscathed. Its four-pound cannon helped to ensure it was a less tempting target for enemies and that it remained devoted to routine duty.

By 1767, the permanent garrison left the fortress for good.

Before his infamous betrayal, Benedict Arnold used Fort Western as a staging point for a daring assault on Quebec in 1775. It was a tactical maneuver in the American Revolution, and the last time Fort Western would be pivotal in an active military plan.

It became a National Historic Landmark in 1973.

Old Fort Western Brings an Exciting Part of America's Story to Life

Today, Fort Western is a remarkableexample of a well-preserved wooden landmark.

The Fort's exterior, interior, house, and main fence remain partly accessible for visitors. During theseason, which ends in October, there are daily guided tours provided by trained historical interpreters.

Costumed characters lead you on a journey through the Fort. From its early military history to its days as a place of sanctuary for hard-working mill laborers, the Fort has plenty of stories to tell. The main house includes period furniture and a restored kitchen.

Fort Western is also popular with re-enactors. In addition to chatting with actors in period costumes, battle re-enactments take place giving visitors a chance to witness military drills.

The Fort is open starting in late May, with extended hours through the summer months. September brings a change in schedule, with the Fort accepting guests on weekends only through October.

You can make a full day of it thanks to the convenient location: It's only five minutes' walk to some of the best shopping and dining in the area over on beautiful Water Street.

Take a 10-minute drive, and you'll reach some of Maine's top museums in the Maine State Museum and the Children's Discovery Museum.

Contact our Augusta office to find out more about more about Augusta real estate.