12/31/2022 0 Comments Kennebec journal![]() ![]() These alterations did not make major alterations to the floor plan of most of the surviving buildings. The wood-frame structures were all torn down, as were the carriage shop and fire station, and the granite buildings were adapted for the hospital's use. Īfter the federal government closed the arsenal, the property was transferred to the state, which expanded the adjacent Maine State Hospital, a facility for the mentally ill, onto the property. The armory and carriage shop were both moved closer to the river bank, and a fire station was added to the property, as were several wood-frame buildings. Because of its comparatively remote location, it was deemed unsuitable for the large-scale production of weapons, and only relative modest changes were made to it prior to its 1901 closure. The arsenal thereafter declined in importance, seeing use for the manufacture of weapons for the Mexican–American War and the American Civil War. The border was fixed at its present location by the 1842 Webster–Ashburton Treaty. The United States sent General Winfield Scott to the arsenal in Augusta, and he negotiated a stand-down of these forces with New Brunswick Lieutenant Governor John Harvey, who was a friend. The border dispute reached crisis proportions in 1838, with both Maine and New Brunswick organizing militia forces to send to the disputed area. A perimeter fence of granite and iron was also added, and the building known as the Office was built, in part from the demolished remains of a stable (which was rebuilt in wood). Between 18 the quarters were enlarged and given their present Greek Revival styling, and the large and small magazines were built, as was a munitions laboratory. Most of the major structures were built out of granite. īuilt between 18 were commandant's and officer quarters, barracks, stables, a carriage shop, and the main armory. Plans were drafted in 1827 and construction began in 1828. The site, on the east bank of the Kennebec River south of the central business district, was chosen in part for its ready access by boat. As a result, the decision was made to build a major arsenal at Augusta. Tensions surrounding that border area (now roughly Aroostook County, Maine and Madawaska County, New Brunswick) rose in the 1820s as both sides pressed for development of the area. Maine in particular was singled out, having had some of its communities occupied during the war, along with an ongoing border dispute with neighboring New Brunswick over the northeastern border. The events of the War of 1812 highlighted the needs of the United States to better defend its coast against potential foreign attacks, so the federal government embarked on a large-scale development of coastal and border fortifications. ![]()
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