Detail: Fort Western

Built in 1754 by the Howard family, the garrisoned store of Fort Western marked the highest navigable point of the Kennebec River and was a center of trade for the Kennebec region. From 1778 to 1791 the Ballard family lived at the Jones mill--one of many mills built near the fort--at the crook of the tributary stream visible below. The Ballards traded at Fort Western, as well as at several other small stores in Hallowell and Augusta.