National Register Listing

Williams, John, House

Church St., Mount Vernon, ME
Local significance of the building:
Art; Architecture

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1984.

The National Register of Historic Places is the official list of the Nation’s historic places worthy of preservation. Authorized by the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, the National Park Service’s National Register of Historic Places is part of a national program to coordinate and support public and private efforts to identify, evaluate, and protect America’s historic and archeological resources.

architecture houses residential buildings
Audiobooks about the history of Maine.
Maine was once a major shipbuilding center: In the 19th century, Maine was one of the world's leading shipbuilding centers, producing thousands of wooden ships that sailed around the world. Many of the old shipyards can still be seen along the coast today.
Maine random facts
Kennebec County, situated in the state of Maine, has a rich and varied history dating back thousands of years. Before European settlement, the region was inhabited by the indigenous peoples, including the Abenaki tribe. They relied on hunting, fishing, and agriculture and left behind the remnants of their villages and burial grounds.

In the 17th century, English settlers arrived in the area and began establishing colonies. The Kennebec Company, a group of Plymouth Colony investors, established Fort St. George in 1607 as a trading post and a center for the fur trade. However, conflicts with the local tribes, as well as harsh living conditions, led to the abandonment of the fort just a few years later.

During the American Revolution, Kennebec County played a significant role in the fight for independence. The town of Hallowell was a crucial manufacturing center, producing items such as cannons and ships for the Continental Army. Augusta, which became the county seat in 1799, was strategically located along the Kennebec River and served as a transportation hub during the war.

In the 19th century, Kennebec County experienced significant industrial growth. The construction of the Kennebec and Portland Railroad in 1849 provided a means for transporting goods, leading to the development of textile mills, paper mills, and other industries. These industries brought jobs and prosperity to the region, and the population of the county continued to grow.

Today, Kennebec County remains an important county in Maine. It is home to Augusta, the state capital, and offers a combination of historical attractions, natural beauty, and thriving communities. The county's rich history is celebrated through various museums, historic sites, and events, providing visitors and residents alike with a glimpse into its past.

This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Kennebec County, Maine.

  • 1674 - Kennebec County was originally part of Plymouth Colony.
  • 1692 - The area became part of Massachusetts Bay Colony.
  • 1799 - Kennebec County was established as a county in the state of Massachusetts.
  • 1820 - Maine became a separate state from Massachusetts, and Kennebec County became part of Maine.
  • 1832 - The state capital of Maine was moved from Portland to Augusta, located in Kennebec County.
  • 1870 - The Maine State House, the seat of government for the state, was completed in Augusta.
  • 1911 - Construction of the Augusta State Hospital, later known as the Augusta Mental Health Institute, began.
  • 1958 - The Maine Turnpike, connecting the cities of Portland and Augusta, was completed.
  • 1980 - Construction of the Augusta Civic Center, a large convention and exhibition center, was completed.