Maine's Capital Area

Old Fort Western is proud to present the rededication of the original bronze plaque presented on July 5, 1898 by Koussinoc Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR). The rededication ceremony will take place on the parade grounds of the Fort Sunday, September 6, 2015 at 1:00pm.

Plaque inscription: “Fort Western, erected by the Plymouth Company 1754, Captain James Howard Commandant. Tablet placed by the Koussinoc Chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution”.

Eager to rescue the Fort from years of neglect, the plaque represents the earliest known preservation efforts of the site by the DAR. The spirit of this effort culminated in the eventual purchase of the “Old Fort” by Guy P. Gannett in 1919 who recognized it as “the most historic property in this city” and “one of the spots richest in historic interest in our State”. Gannett, a direct descendant of the Fort’s only commander, Captain James Howard, along with the support of his father, William Howard Gannett, restored and gifted the property to the City of Augusta on July 4, 1922 in memory of Sarah “Sadie” Hill Gannett, former regent of the DAR. In his dedication address, Mayor Sanford L. Fogg described the Fort as a “museum park” for public use which would be “a reminder of the glories of the past”. In 1969, Fort Western was placed on the National Register of Historic Places by the U.S. Department of the Interior , and in 1974, designated a National Historic Landmark by the National Park Service’s Division of History.    

Special remarks will be given by Mayor David Rollins who will read the full 1922 dedication speech of Mayor Sanford L. Fogg. Regular admission fees will apply to non-Augusta residents; however, free entry will be granted to all invitation holders to the event.  

Old Fort Western (1754) is a National Historic Landmark and living museum in Augusta, Maine and America's oldest surviving wooden French & Indian War era garrison in North America illuminating 300 years of Maine and New England History. Hours: Monday-Friday: 10am-4pm and weekends: 11am-4pm. For more information, please call 626-2385 or e-mail .