Augusta in Kennebec County, Maine — The American Northeast (New England)

First Kennebec Bridge / Le premier pont du Kennebec

Augusta, Maine

— The Museum in the Streets® —

First Kennebec Bridge / Le premier pont du Kennebec Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed By William Fischer, Jr., July 30, 2017

1. First Kennebec Bridge / Le premier pont du Kennebec Marker

Inscription. Click to hear the inscription.

For over 200 years, this site has anchored a span over the Kennebec River. Construction of the first bridge began in May 1797 by the Proprietors of the Kennebec Bridge, which owned and subsequently operated the bridge. Completed on November 21, 1797, at a cost of $27,000, the uncovered toll bridge featured two spans supported by rounded arches, a center pier, and abutments constructed of stone. Its completion gave Augusta the distinction of having the first span over the Kennebec River, as well as having the largest bridge in the District of Maine. The bridge served the community well, but exposure to the elements caused decay, and on Sunday, June 23, 1816, the eastern span collapsed into the river. The remains were removed by early 1818 to make way for a new covered bridge.

Pendant plus de 200 ans, ce site servit de point d'ancrage pour un pont sur le fleuve Kennebec. Les Propriétaires du Pont Kennebec commencèrent la construction du premier pont en mai 1797. Ce pont leur appartenait et ils en avaient la gestion. Terminé le 21 novembre 1797 pour la somme de 27 000$, ce pont découvert

Paid Advertisement

Click on the ad for more information.
Please report objectionable advertising to the Editor.

Click or scan to see
this page online

à péage possédait deux travées soutenues par des arches arrondies, une pile centrale, et des butées en pierre. Lorsqu'il fut terminé, Augusta eut le privilège de posséder le premier pont sur le Kennebec et le plus grand pont du District du Maine. Le pont servit bien la région, mais l'exposition aux éléments le détériora et le dimanche 23 juin 1816, la travée Est s'écroula dans la rivière. On enleva les décombres au début de 1818 pour faire place à un nouveau pont couvert.

Erected by The Museum in the Streets®. (Marker Number 10.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Bridges & Viaducts • Waterways & Vessels. In addition, it is included in the The Museum in the Streets®: Augusta, Maine series list. A significant historical month for this entry is May 1797.

Location. 44° 18.992′ N, 69° 46.277′ W. Marker is in Augusta, Maine, in Kennebec County. Marker is at the intersection of Cony Street and the east side of the Kennebec River Bridge, on the left when traveling west on Cony Street. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Augusta ME 04330, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Old Fort Western / Le vieux Fort Western (here, next to this marker); Birds and Fish of the Kennebec (a few steps from this marker); Sousa the nonpariel / L'incomparable Souza

Photographed By William Fischer, Jr., July 30, 2017

2. First Kennebec Bridge / Le premier pont du Kennebec Marker

Nearest marker, with bridge in background

(within shouting distance of this marker); Gunshots Reverberate on the Kennebec / Des coups de fusil résonnent sur le fleuve Kennebec (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Comfort Magazine / Le Magazine Comfort (about 300 feet away); Augusta, Maine (about 400 feet away); Cushnoc Trading Post / Le Comptoir Commercial De Cushnoc (about 400 feet away); 1775 Quebec Expedition (about 400 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Augusta.

Also see . . . The Museum in the Streets Tour Map, Augusta, Maine. (Submitted on November 29, 2017, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania.)

Credits. This page was last revised on November 17, 2021. It was originally submitted on November 29, 2017, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania. This page has been viewed 378 times since then and 15 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on November 29, 2017, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania.