The City of Augusta is run by a council/mayoral form of government with five council members and a mayor. The members are elected to two-year terms. Augusta has a full community police force with four full-time and four part-time officers. Emergency medical services and fire protection are provided by the 55 volunteer member Augusta-Bridge Creek Fire & Rescue. All emergency personnel are dispatched through the countywide Eau Claire Emergency Communications Center. In addition to regular city services, Augusta provides a public library and a senior citizens center. Augusta has a fire rating of 7.
History of Augusta
Augusta was first settled in 1856, although it was known as Bridge Creek until the village was platted in 1857. Augusta’s name was changed around this time by Charles Buckman, a native of Maine and one of the first settlers, as a tribute to his home state.
Other early settlers, John F. Stone and L.F. Clarke, built the area’s first industry; a sawmill, along the banks of Bridge Creek in the winter of 1856. John F. Stone also built the dam across Bridge Creek, assisted by John Hackett, at the site of the remains of the present dam.
In 1857, a schoolhouse was built, where Miss Parland was engaged as a teacher, and Rev. John Holt held religious services. In 1885, the City of Augusta was created with four wards, the division being Stone and Lincoln Streets, which remain to this day. Until 1900, farmers in Augusta produced primarily grains, but at the turn of the century, dairy and stock farming became more prevalent.
In 1911, the Augusta Public Library was finally created as a result of the urging of Miss Maud LeRoy to the Tuesday Club, which also felt that Augusta should have a library.
