Maine's Capital Area

The Daniel Savage Company will host an Arnold Expedition Re-enactment Weekend to honor Benedict Arnold’s march to Quebec on Saturday, September 16th and Sunday, September 17th at Fort Western at 16 Cony Street, Augusta, Maine. In September 1775, at the beginning of the American Revolution, Colonel Benedict Arnold and his 1100-man army arrived at Fort Western in anticipation of an attack on British-held Quebec. From the Fort, the army planned to travel through the wilderness of Maine and Canada to reach the city.

On Saturday, at 10:00am, the Savage Company will symbolize the Expedition’s journey on “water” by launching a replica 18th century bateau in the Kennebec River. Visitors can watch swivel guns fire from the bateau as the crew rows down the river. Afterwards, W. Hodding Carter, experiential historian, will be on site to talk about his plans to retrace Benedict Arnold’s march to Quebec this fall. Previously, Carter has retraced Lewis & Clark’s journey as well as Leif Eriksson’s voyage to the new world in an authentic replica Viking merchant ship.

On Sunday, at 10:00am, the Savage Company will symbolize the Expedition’s journey on “land” at the Viles Arboretum on Hospital Street. The Company will walk the Arboretum trails in authentic 18th century clothing, carrying muskets and necessary equipment. The public is invited to join. Replica muskets and backpacks will be available for children to carry.

On Saturday and Sunday, from 2:00pm-4:00pm, displays and demonstrations pertaining to the soldiers of the Arnold Expedition will be presented at the Fort. Visitors can learn about loading and firing a flintlock musket, 18th century medicine, fire-starting with flint and steel, and building shelters used by the soldiers while at Fort Western.

Fort Western (1754) is a National Historic Landmark and Living History Museum in Augusta, Maine and America's oldest surviving wooden French & Indian War era garrison in North America illuminating 300 years of Maine and New England History. September Hours: Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays, and Mondays from 10am-4pm. For more information, please call 626-2385 or e-mail .