Augusta has been the capital city since 1827, seven years after Maine was admitted to the Union. The Capital Building sits as a centerpiece for this special City. Augusta is the center of employment, commerce and service for Central Maine and is where most of the state and county governmental agencies are located. Most statewide organizations in Maine base their offices in this city, which is considered a central location to hold meetings, conferences and banquets, usually in Augusta's Civic Center which is located directly off I-95.