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1632 English settlers inhabit the Portland Peninsula, then called by the Indian name Machigonne. The name was changed to Casco and, in 1658, to Falmouth.
1652 The entire Casco Bay area becomes part of the Massachusetts Bay Colony.
1675 Area is completely destroyed by Indians during King Philip's War.
1776 After the Revolutionary War, Portland is established as a commercial port and begins rapid growth as a shipping center.
1786 Local citizens name their town Portland.
1820 Maine becomes a state and Portland its first capital.
1820 Portland begins recovery from the Embargo Act and War of 1812. Maine boats can trade all over the world.
1823 First steamship from Boston: beginning of regular passenger service between the two cities.
1852 Commercial Street opens to connect rail and water transportation networks.
1866 The Great Fire of 1866 is started at 4th of July celebration, destroying most of the public buildings, half the churches and hundreds of houses. The city is rebuilt in brick, Victorian style and early 20th century houses, now seen throughout Portland.
1941 Portland becomes the home port of the U.S. North American Fleet during World War II.
1961 Preservation movement begins in Portland.
1970's The Old Port becomes an area of artists' studios and lively retail center.
2003 Portland is named one of America's Dozen Distinctive Destinations, an annual list of unique and lovingly preserved communities in the United States presented by The National Trust for Historic Preservation.
2006 A cruise consortium called Discover Portland & Beyond formed, and started actively marketing Portland as a port of call. Today the Casco Bay sees over 77,000 cruise ship passengers annually and draws ships of all sizes (including the Queen Elizabeth II) into its port.
2007 The Portland Observatory celebrated its 200 year anniversary. This iconic landmark is America's only maritime signal tower still standing
2008 Cruise ship and welcome visitor information center opens. This facility acts as a port to cruise ships.
Portland's Forts
Fort Preble
Fort Road, Southern Maine Technical College. Once used to guard approach to Portland Harbor.
Fort Scammel
A Civil War Fort on House Island, is an interesting tour and clambake spot. At the turn of the century, House Island served as an immigration hospital for thousands of immigrants entering America.
Fort Gorges
The octagonal stone fort visible off Portland's Eastern Promenade can be visited by private boat. Designed in 1858 for short-range guns, the fort was soon made obsolete by the development of long-range guns and was never fired upon.
Architecturally/ Historically significant locations
Deering Oaks Park
51-acre park was scene of 1690 battle between colonists, French and Indians. Ancient oaks dot the grounds, Rose Garden, playground, duck pond, tennis courts. Saturday Farmers Market in season.
Eastern Promenade
Neighborhood with amazing views of Casco Bay. Large grassy area is a great place to bring a book, have a picnic or play a game of Frisbee, and enjoy the boating activity on the water. There is a small beach that is open to the public.
Maine Irish Heritage Center
European style cathedral served as the center of Irish Culture for over 150 years. It now houses Maine's Irish genealogical center and library, presenting the story of Irish history in Maine.
Ocean Gateway
Newly constructed building with stunning oceanfront event space and docking area for small cruise ships.
Old Port
The historic center of the original settlement is centered around its commercial port. In 1866 it suffered a disastrous fire and was rebuilt almost immediately in grand Victorian style, demonstrating the city's economic resilience.
Portland City Hall
Second Renaissance Revival, 1909-1912. Designed by Carrere and Hastings of New York.
Portland Museum of Art
Charles Shipman Payson wing built 1979-83. Henry N. Cobb of I.M. Pei, architect. Contemporary Post- Modern, reflects a traditional architectural vocabulary. Built of locally-made brick with granite string courses.
Portland Observatory Museum
National Historic Landmark in Portland's East End. Only remaining signal tower in America. Views, cruise ships, lighthouses, Western Mountains.
U.S. Customs House
Built 1868-1871. Constructed of New Hampshire granite. Elaborate interior includes painted and gilded ceilings, fine crafted woodwork and marble floors. Still in use by Customs Service and the Coast Guard.
Western Promenade
Spectacular views, 175 feet above sea level, Portland's Western Promenade dates from the turn of the century and exhibits the city's well preserved Victorian residences.
Maine College ofArt's Baxter Library (207) 775-5152 (207) 775-3052 meca.edu
Maine Historical Society Library (207) 774-1822 mainehistory.org
Osher MapLibrary, SmithCenter for CartographicEducation University of Southern
Maine (207) 780-4850 usm.maine.edu/~maps/
Portland PublicLibrary (207) 871-1700 portlandlibrary.com