Maine State House - 1829 - Augusta, ME - Dated Architectural Structures Multifarious on Waymarking.com

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Maine State House - 1829 - Augusta, ME

in Dated Architectural Structures Multifarious

Posted by:  T0SHEA

19T E 437673 N 4906283

The cornerstone of the State House was laid on July 4, 1829, with completion of the building occurring in January of 1832. It is one of ten resources which contribute to the Capitol Complex Historic District in Augusta.

The building was designed by architect Charles Bulfinch, who also drew the plans for the landscaping of the State House grounds. In 1890-91 the building was enlarged toward the rear, giving it a T-shaped plan. In 1910 it was further enlarged, these modifications including the replacement of the original dome with the present one, by sculptor W. Clark Noble.

This plaque has been mounted on a low plinth in front of the building and dedicated on July 4, 1989, commemorating the building's 160th anniversary. It is either a copy of the original cornerstone, with the rededication added, or the rededication has been added to the original and remounted. Beneath it is a stainless steel time capsule which was buried, to be opened in 2029.

In 1991, a rectangular metal object was detected embedded in the cornerstone found beside the fifth step of the original seven-step stairway to the main entrance. There remains no way of knowing what is actually in the cornerstone, but a history of Augusta says that a copy of the state Constitution, some currency of the day, publications and a special plate were placed there at the time of dedication.

In 1989, in a ceremony commemorating the building’s 160th anniversary, a stainless steel time capsule was buried near the front wall of the State House. It is to be opened in 2029.
From the Maine State Legislature

Charles Bulfinch, Architect (1829-32)
Brigham & Spofford, Architects (1890-91)
G. Henri Desmond, Architect (1910)

The Maine State House is a large four-story, twenty-three bay granite building whose front elevation contains a pedimented two-story portico centered on the façade below a tall copper clad dome. As originally designed and built, the State House was comprised of the existing portico and flanking bays with round arched windows. The hip roof was surmounted by a low dome and lantern cupola. In 1890-91 the building was substantially enlarged to the rear, thereby giving the State House a T-shaped footprint. Finally, in 1910 the building achieved its present exterior configuration with the addition of one bay on each side of the recessed wall behind the portico, the addition of the north and south wings, and the erection of the tall dome to replace the Bulfinch design. This new dome was crowned by a classical statue which the scuptor W. Clark Noble conceived as a representation of Augusta (the city) holding a pine torch, which represents the State. A complete, multi-year rehabilitation of the State House under the direction of the Damariscotta, Maine architectural firm of Weinrich & Burt is scheduled to be completed in 2002.

In 1827, the Maine Legislature passed an Act to establish the permanent capitol of the State in Augusta on a thirty-four acre parcel of land which the citizens of the community had offered for the purpose. Construction of the State House commenced in 1829, and it was completed in January of 1832. In addition to designing the building itself, Charles Bulfinch drew plans for landscaping the immediate grounds. This kidney shaped design included two terraces with a walkway extending from the street (present State Street) to the portico entrance. A granite retaining wall topped by a wrought iron fence with dart finials was constructed at the edge of the grounds, and granite entrance posts were installed at the foot of the walkway. Although the terraces were modified during the construction of the 1910 additions and the entrance posts were changed, the retaining wall, fence and the feeling of the original landscape design are still present.
From the NRHP nomimation form