Fort Western

Fort Western is a colonial military post along the Kennebec River featuring four corner bastions and wooden palisades surrounding a central two-story structure built from heavy timber. The buildings and walls form a compact defensive layout designed for frontier operations.

British colonists built this fort in 1754 during the French and Indian War to protect European settlements and secure supply lines along the river. It became an important outpost during the expansion of colonial control in northern New England.

The fort displays weapons, tools, and household items that reflect life at the frontier between European settlers and Native Americans. Visitors can see how people in the 18th century lived and worked at this trading post.

The site is open from June through October with guided tours and historical demonstrations showing 18th-century life. Visitors should wear sturdy shoes since paths are unpaved and weather conditions can be variable.

The original main building from 1754 still stands today and is the oldest surviving wooden fort structure in New England. This construction using heavy timber and simple techniques shows how early colonial fortifications were built from basic materials.

Location: Augusta

Inception: 1754

Architectural style: rustic architecture

Address: Bowman Street

Website: http://oldfortwestern.org

GPS coordinates: 44.31596,-69.77103

Latest update: December 9, 2025 18:47