Kennebec

In September 1775 Benedict Arnold's expedition entered the Kennebec valley on its way to attack Quebec. The river formed part of established Wabanaki travel corridors connecting the coast to the interior. Arnold's troops began their inland journey from Reuben Colburn's shipyard at present-day Pittston, then passed Fort Western and moved towards Fort Halifax, beyond which colonial settlements gave way to a much harder route.

The expedition followed the Kennebec and Dead River system through rapids, swamps and difficult portages. An inaccurate map encouraged expectations of a journey lasting about three weeks; it took more than twice that long. Capsized boats, floods, snow, illness and starvation reduced the force before it reached Canada. The march exposed the distance between recognising a strategic river corridor and possessing the equipment, supplies and knowledge needed to move an army through it.

The later city of Augusta lies here.