Welcome to the Maine State House!
The State House’s construction began in 1829, nine years after Maine separated from Massachusetts and became an independent state. The granite came from quarries in nearby Hallowell, hauled in large wagons by oxen teams. The building cost was $145,000 – about $3.5 million in today’s dollars – a relatively small amount for such an ambitious structure.
One of the nation’s most notable architects, Charles Bulfinch, designed the State House. The contrast between the grand new building and Augusta’s rural character is especially striking in this painting. Maine State Museum Collection 72.19.56
The capital of Maine hasn’t always been Augusta. Portland originally held that title. But Portland’s location on a large, vital harbor made that city exposed to attacks by sea. Officials also thought that a more central location would better serve the large new state. Several towns petitioned to be the capital.
In 1827, Governor Enoch Lincoln signed legislation that gave the nod to Augusta. Even so, for the next 80 years, Portland people attempted to reverse that law. Finally, in 1911, Maine voters passed a constitutional amendment that declared Augusta as the official seat of government.
Joe Phelan photo
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The art gallery is part of the Arts in the Capitol program, organized throughout the State House Complex to help expand the audience for Maine artists or artists working in Maine on Maine-based themes. For more details, visit www.mainearts.maine.gov