Tag Archives: old fort western

Old Fort Western… part 2.

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This isn’t a large historic site by any means.

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But here’s a peak at the inside of the building.

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The store.

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Our guide, in the kitchen.

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And no, that isn’t poop. It’s rolled tobacco.

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Since our guide was rather long winded we ran out of time before we were able to explore upstairs …

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And they were literally locking the gates while we were still roaming around.

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Stockades.

I’m thinking of installing a set in our backyard… to be employed when the husband gets the urge to attend a rummage sale.

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The fort.

The end.

Anticlimactic, I know. But I didn’t want to spend the night there so we had to beat feet and leave.

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Old Fort Western

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Next up on my things to do in Maine before the husband goes back to work bucket list was Old Fort Western. It’s one of those landmarks we drive by often but never take the time to explore.

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Old Fort Western in Augusta is the oldest surviving wooden fort in the United States. It started life as a trading post, then a manned station during the French and Indian war, and then a store supplying early settlers.

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In 1775 Benedict Arnold started his expedition to capture Quebec from this fort. Arnold’s party, which included future Vice President Aaron Burr, stayed at the fort before marching north.

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For a time it was a private home and now, a historic site.

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The day we visited there were a few reenactment soldiers in period dress on loan from Plymouth Plantation in Massachusetts.

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You know my husband enjoyed this part.

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Though they wouldn’t let him fire it for safety reasons.

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I love history and totally geeked out during the guided tour.

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Strategically placed on the highest navigable point on the Kennebec River…

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It guarded the colonists well and was never attacked.

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Though I can’t imagine life here was easy.

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To be continued….

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