Tucked along the Kennebec River in the small town of Pittston, Colburn House State Historic Site preserves a pivotal chapter of the American Revolution. This 6-acre property was the staging ground for Benedict Arnold’s ill-fated 1775 expedition to Quebec — one of the most ambitious and grueling military marches in colonial history. The centerpiece is the restored 1765 home of Major Reuben Colburn, the shipbuilder who constructed over 200 bateaux for Arnold’s troops in just eighteen days.

Visitors can explore the Colburn House itself, which features period furnishings and interpretive displays detailing the expedition’s route up the Kennebec, through Maine’s dense wilderness, and into Canada. The surrounding grounds include a small cemetery and pleasant riverside walking areas where you can imagine the chaos of 1,100 soldiers assembling for their northward march.

This is a quiet, contemplative site — ideal for history enthusiasts rather than thrill-seekers. There are no camping facilities on the property, so plan it as a day visit. The site pairs well with nearby stops along the Kennebec Valley, including Fort Western in Augusta, just a short drive south.

The best time to visit is late May through early October, when the grounds are fully accessible and seasonal programming may be available. Fall foliage along the river makes September and early October particularly rewarding.

Colburn House rewards visitors who appreciate the stories behind the scenery. It’s a small site with an outsized connection to the founding of the nation.

Explore Nearby

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• White Mountain National Forest — National Forest in New Hampshire, Maine