Birds and Fish of the Kennebec
[Historical information excerpt at bottom of marker]
Old Fort Western and downtown Augusta sit on the site of ancient Cushnoc, the Abenaki word signifying the head of tide on the Kennebec River. Although according to the archaeological record not a significant Native American site, Cushnoc was the location of an important Pilgrim fur trading post (1628-1661). Fort Western was built here in 1754 as a fortified storehouse in support of Fort Halifax, 17 miles up-river. The area now comprises the Heart of Augusta, the Capital City's traditional economic and business center.
[Section illustration captions read]
• Cushnoc Trading Post
Now the site of the First Church of Christ, Scientist
• Fort Western
Fort, Store and house, 1754-1810
• The Heart of Augusta [aerial photo]
Erected by the City of Augusta.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Animals • Colonial Era • Forts and Castles • Native Americans. A significant historical year for this entry is 1754.
Location. 44° 18.99′ N, 69° 46.283′ W. Marker is in Augusta, Maine, in Kennebec County. Marker is at the intersection of Cony Street and the East Side of
this page online
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); First Kennebec Bridge / Le premier pont du Kennebec (a few steps from this marker); Sousa the nonpariel / L'incomparable Souza (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 400 feet away); Cushnoc Trading Post / Le Comptoir Commercial De Cushnoc (about 400 feet away); Augusta, Maine (about 400 feet away); 1775 Quebec Expedition (about 400 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Augusta.
Also see . . . Old Fort Western History. (Submitted on November 29, 2017, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania.)
Credits. This page was last revised on September 23, 2020. It was originally submitted on November 29, 2017, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania. This page has been viewed 200 times since then and 6 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on November 29, 2017, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania.
