The first capital was in Portland, which remains the largest city. However, it was considered a little too far south by the rest of Maine, so it was moved north to Augusta. It was still a long way for the border with Canada, but apparently people in 1827 were satisfied. A capitol building was constructed around that time, and it has been remodeled several times over the years.
It's a rather standard building as these things go, with a Senate and a House of Representatives. The middle portion has a Hall of Flags, complete with historic banners (or copies) and paintings of well-known residents like George Mitchell, Ed Muskie and Margaret Chase Smith.
Here's the neat part - even in a post 9/11 world, the place is quite open. Yes, you need to go through a security check. But once you are inside, it's a remarkably free area. Visitors can sit in the balcony of the House and watch legislators in action. Even better, though, is the fact that the Senate has seats available on its floor. That means anyone can walk in, sit down only a few feet from the working legislators, and watch the proceedings.
When we were there, a controversial discussion on gun control was taking place. We saw lobbyists scurrying around, and one legislator actually running in the halls so he didn't have to talk to reporters. In other words, we felt like we could have been working there - it was a close-up look at how government really works.
The grounds are nice too, with a replica of the Liberty Bell that was handed out to all of the states at one point. If you are in the neighborhood, be sure to stop for a visit.
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