Kennebec Arsenal

Photography Sourced

Jesse Goldman https://www.flickr.com/photos/58117452@N04/

The B’s https://www.flickr.com/photos/binkley27/

https://www.flickr.com/photos/acadia62/albums/72157622803931662/with/4104541782/

The Kennebec Arsenal, located in Augusta, Maine, was a prominent military facility that played a significant role in American history. Established in 1828, it served as an important arsenal for the storage, production, and distribution of military supplies during various periods.

Initially constructed following the War of 1812 to safeguard the borders of the United States, underwent a significant transformation in its later years. The arsenal was strategically positioned along the Kennebec River, facilitating the transportation of goods and materials. Its primary purpose was to support the military by producing and maintaining munitions, firearms, and other essential equipment. Over the years, the arsenal expanded its operations and infrastructure, becoming a vital hub for military logistics.

During the American Civil War, the Kennebec Arsenal played a critical role in supplying Union forces. It produced ammunition, artillery shells, and firearms for the troops, contributing significantly to the war effort. The facility also served as a training ground for soldiers, ensuring they were equipped with the necessary skills to defend the nation.

Unfortunately, the arsenal's significance dwindled in the post-war years. As military technology advanced and centralized manufacturing became more prevalent, the need for local arsenals decreased. The Kennebec Arsenal gradually transitioned into other uses and underwent several changes in ownership and purpose.

In 1901, the Arsenal ceased its military operations and underwent a transition to become part of the Maine State Hospital, subsequently renamed the "Augusta Mental Health Institution." Tragically, within the confines of this institution, a staggering number of 11,647 individuals passed away, and a former patient has come forward to recount the horrors that unfolded within its walls, leading to the demise of many patients. Disturbingly, the precise location of their burial remains unknown, as they were interred in unmarked graves.

Within the Augusta Mental Health Institution, a range of treatments were employed, some of which were highly invasive and distressing. Methods such as hydrotherapy, radiant heat, ultraviolet rays, diathermy, galvanism, fardism, electric needle therapy, and insulin shock treatments were administered to the patients. Additionally, various chemical injections were utilized as part of their care. On a less severe note, farming and industrial treatments were employed, and weekly dances provided a form of recreational activity. In the 1960s, the institution expanded its scope to include the admission of individuals struggling with alcoholism and addiction.

In 2004, the Augusta Mental Health Institution concluded its operations and relocated to a different site. Subsequently, the property was sold to a developer, marking the end of an era for the Kennebec Arsenal and its unsettling transformation into a mental health institution.

Today, the former Kennebec Arsenal site stands as a historic landmark, showcasing its rich military heritage. The remaining structures, such as the granite buildings and fortifications, serve as a reminder of its past importance. The site has been repurposed for various purposes, including housing government offices, museums, and community spaces, preserving its historical legacy while adapting to the evolving needs of the local community.