Fort Western has new hours, new rules this summer

AUGUSTA — Fort Western, the 1754 National Landmark fort, store and house on the Kennebec River has reopned for the season, but with new hours.
Admission to the fort is free in June, and the gift shop will be closed. Normal admission rates will apply in July and the gift shop will reopen, but it will only accept debit and credit cards, no cash. Augusta residents and active military personnel are always admitted free of charge.
As per Augusta city policy, all visitors and staff will be required to practice social distancing while on the fort grounds, and wear face coverings while in the main fort garrison building.
Fort Western was built in 1754 as part of the Massachusetts military and settlement expansion into the Kennebec River Valley. During the French and Indian War, soldiers were stationed at the fort under the command of Capt. James Howard. It was a staging area for the Arnold Expedition in 1775, and in 1778-79, Capt. Daniel Savage, under the command of Col. William Howard, operated a scouting company out of the fort.
During its 263 years, Fot Western has served as a fort, store, private home and tenement and has played a central role in the founding of Hallowell, Augusta and the central Kennebec area.
June hours will be 10 a.m. to 4 p..m. Saturdays, Sundays and Mondays; from July to October, ot wil be open daily from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The last tour of the day starts at 3:30 pm. The last day for tours will be Oct. 12.
For more information, visit www.oldfortwestern.org or call 207-626-2385.