Fort Western, 1754-2004

by Esther J. Perne

Go with me, row with me through the wind and waves of the mighty Kennebec to the place where the Atlantic tide turns. (Click the photo to enlarge it!)

Where the tide turns and the salmon struggle upstream to spawn . . .where navigation is a test of survival and the shores hold reminders of bygone tales . . .where explorers once converged and settlers pushed ever outward.

There sits Old Fort Western, a wood hewn fort, older than any other in the United States, more pivotal to the development of this region than any other single building, and more preserved than most landmarks of history.

In this year 2004, Old Fort Western celebrates its 250^th Anniversary. The "Year of the Fort" is filled with activities, festivities, presentations, and observances. Come be part of this exciting time mark! Join the celebration. Learn about history hands-on.

Highlights of the 250^th Anniversary include:

Military Encampment June 19 and 20. (See below.)
Community Breakfast June 26
Official 250th Anniversary Observance July 4
Summer Apprentice Program July 12 through August 27
Arnold Expedition Special Event September 18 and 19
Town Meeting October 3

Walk with me through the doors of history to a time and place that is older than any other in this country. (Click the photo to enlarge it!)

Old Fort Western also offers a 250^th Anniversary Lecture Series, held on Fridays at 7:00 p.m. at Jewett Hall Auditorium, University of Maine, Augusta.

For more information about Fort Western, visit its web site or call 626-2385. A new feature on the web site is the virtual architectural tour. The fort is open weekdays 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and weekends 1-4:00 p.m., July 5 through November 5, until then 1-4:00 p.m. daily.

On June 19 and 20, Old Fort Western hosted an 18^th-century military encampment in association with the Friends of Fort Halifax and the Town of Winslow to mark the 250^th anniversary of both forts and the beginning of the Seven Years (French and Indian) War. On Saturday the 19^th the action took place on the ground surrounding the Fort Halifax blockhouse on Route 201 in Winslow; on Sunday, attention shifted to Fort Western. As part of the encampment, the Old Fort Western bateau made the trip on the Kennebec River to Fort Halifax and back.

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Fort Western, 1754-2004