Blaine House facts for kids
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Blaine House
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U.S. Historic district
Contributing property |
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 Location in Maine
Location in the United States
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| Location | Capitol and State Sts., Augusta, Maine |
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| Area | 2.4 acres (0.97 ha) |
| Built | 1833 |
| Part of | Capitol Complex Historic District (ID01001417) |
| NRHP reference No. | 66000024 |
Quick facts for kids Significant dates |
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| Added to NRHP | October 15, 1966 |
| Designated NHL | January 29, 1964 |
| Designated CP | December 31, 2001 |
The Blaine House is the official home for the governor of Maine and their family. It is also known as the James G. Blaine House. It became the governor's official home in 1919. You can find it in Augusta, Maine, right across from the Maine State House.
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A Home for Maine's Governor
The Blaine House has a long and interesting history. It was built in 1833 by a retired ship captain named James Hall. Later, in 1862, a famous politician named James G. Blaine bought the house. He bought it as a gift for his wife, Harriet Stanwood. Her family was well-known in Augusta.
Blaine's Changes to the House
James G. Blaine made the house much bigger. He added a new section to the back that looked almost exactly like the original part. He also changed the inside walls to create a large space for entertaining guests.
Becoming the Governor's Residence
During World War I, the house was used by Maine's Committee for Public Safety. After the war, Blaine's youngest daughter, Mrs. Harriet Blaine Beale, gave the house to the State of Maine. In 1919, the state government decided it would be the official home for the governor.
Before the first governor moved in, the house was updated. A famous Maine architect, John Calvin Stevens, designed the changes. Carl E. Miliken was the first governor to live there, starting in 1921.
A National Landmark
The Blaine House is very important because of its connection to James G. Blaine. He was a powerful political leader in the United States after the American Civil War. Because of his importance, the Blaine House was named a National Historic Landmark in 1964. This means it's a special place in American history.
Modern Updates for the House
In 2014, the Blaine House got some cool new technology. They installed special heat pumps to help heat the house more efficiently. This helps save energy and money on heating bills. The old heating system was also updated to use natural gas for very cold days.
Who Lives There Now?
Today, the Blaine House is still the official home for Maine's governor. The current resident is Governor Janet Mills.
More to Explore
- List of National Historic Landmarks in Maine
- National Register of Historic Places listings in Kennebec County, Maine
See also
In Spanish: Casa de James G. Blaine para niños
