The Blaine House

The Blaine House sits where State and Capitol streets meet, showing a blend of Federal design with Victorian and Italian details throughout. The three-story building displays the architectural style typical of homes built in the 1830s.

The house was built in 1833 and acquired by James G. Blaine in 1862, a man who became a powerful national politician. After Blaine's purchase, it transformed into the official home for Maine's governors and their families.

The residence displays furnishings and art from different periods that reflect Maine's past and the families who lived here. Walking through the rooms, you notice how governors shaped their home to match their times.

The house functions as a private residence for Maine governors while also welcoming visitors through scheduled guided tours. Plan ahead to arrange a tour, since the building remains in active use by the governor's family.

During World War I, the building served as a command center for the state's safety and emergency programs before becoming a governor's home. This wartime role reveals how crucial the building was to Maine's response during the crisis.