Portland, Maine facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Portland
City
Clockwise: Portland waterfront, the Portland Observatory on Munjoy Hill, the corner of Middle Street and Exchange Street in the Old Port, Congress Street, the Soldiers' and Sailors' Monument in Monument Square, and winter light sculptures in Congress Square Park
Flag Seal Logo
Nickname(s):  The Forest City
Motto(s):  Resurgam  (Latin) "I Will Rise Again"
Portland Location in Maine Show map of Maine Portland Location in the United States Show map of the United States
Country	United States
Region	New England
State	Maine
County	Cumberland
Settled	1632
Incorporated	July 4, 1786
Named for	Isle of Portland
Government
• Type	Council–manager
Area
• City	69.44 sq mi (179.85 km2)
• Land	21.54 sq mi (55.79 km2)
• Water	47.90 sq mi (124.06 km2)
• Urban	135.91 sq mi (352.0 km2)
Elevation	62 ft (19 m)
Population  (2020)
• City	68,408
• Rank	US: 519th
• Density	3,175.86/sq mi (1,226.21/km2)
• Urban	205,356 (US: 188th)
• Urban density	1,657.7/sq mi (640.0/km2)
• Metro	556,893 (US: 103rd)
Demonym(s)	Portlander
Time zone	UTC−5 (EST)
• Summer (DST)	UTC−4 (EDT)
ZIP Codes	04101–04104, 04108–04109, 04112, 04116, 04122–04124
Area code(s)	207
FIPS code	23-60545
GNIS feature ID	573692

Portland (/ˈpɔːrtlənd/ PORT-lənd) is the largest city in the state of Maine in the United States. It is also the main city of Cumberland County. In April 2020, about 68,408 people lived in Portland. The larger area around Portland, called Greater Portland, has about 550,000 people.

Portland has always been important for shipping and trade. Today, its economy mainly focuses on services like tourism and healthcare. The Port of Portland is the second busiest port in New England.

The city's official seal shows a phoenix bird rising from flames. This symbolizes how Portland has rebuilt itself after four big fires. The city was named after the Isle of Portland in England. In turn, Portland, Oregon, was named after Portland, Maine. The name "Portland" comes from an old English word meaning "land around a harbor."

History of Portland, Maine

Fort Casco, Portland, Maine, built by Wolfgang William Romer; map by Cyprian Southack

The first people to live on the Portland peninsula were the Abenaki tribe. They called the area Machigonne, which means "great neck."

The first European settler was Christopher Levett, an English sea captain. In 1623, he was given land to start a settlement in Casco Bay. He built a stone house and left ten men there. However, the settlement failed, and what happened to his colonists is unknown.

The peninsula became a fishing and trading village in 1632, named Casco. In 1658, the Massachusetts Bay Colony took over, and the town's name changed to Falmouth. In 1676, the Abenaki destroyed the village during King Philip's War. It was rebuilt, but then largely destroyed again in 1690 during King William's War.

Longfellow Square around 1906

During the American Revolutionary War, the British Navy burned Falmouth on October 18, 1775. After the war, a part of Falmouth called The Neck grew quickly as a trading port. In 1786, this area became its own town and was named Portland.

Portland's economy faced challenges due to trade bans and the War of 1812. In 1820, Maine became a state, and Portland was its first capital. However, the capital moved to Augusta in 1832.

In 1851, Maine was the first state to pass a law banning alcohol sales. This law became known as the Maine law. A riot related to this law, called the Portland Rum Riot, happened on June 2, 1855.

Gun recovered from USS Maine on Munjoy Hill

In 1853, the Grand Trunk Railway connected Portland to Montreal. This made Portland an important winter seaport for Canadian goods. The Portland Company built many steam locomotives and other railway equipment. It was once the city's largest employer.

After 1923, Canadian trade shifted to Halifax, causing Portland's economy to slow down. Later, special ships called Icebreakers allowed ships to reach Montreal in winter, further reducing Portland's role.

On June 26, 1863, during the American Civil War, Confederate raiders attacked Portland Harbor. This was one of the northernmost battles of the war. On July 4, 1866, a huge fire destroyed most of Portland's businesses, half its churches, and hundreds of homes. Over 10,000 people lost their homes.

In 1899, Portland took over the nearby city of Deering. This greatly increased Portland's size and opened new areas for building.

In 1967, the city started building a new highway, Franklin Street. This project removed 130 homes and businesses. The opening of The Maine Mall in South Portland in 1971 also hurt downtown Portland's economy. However, tourists and new businesses later helped to bring life back to the old seaport area, known as the Old Port.

Since the 1990s, the Bayside area has seen a lot of new development. This includes grocery stores like Whole Foods Market and Trader Joe's. Colleges like the Maine College of Art and the University of Southern Maine are also growing. The University of New England plans to move its medical school to Portland.

Portland is known as a great city for walking tours. You can explore its history and architecture on foot.

Geography and Climate

Aerial view of Portland from the west

Deering Oaks Park with fountain and castle pavilion

Portland covers about 69.44 square miles (179.85 square kilometers). About 21.31 square miles (55.79 square kilometers) is land, and 48.13 square miles (124.06 square kilometers) is water. The city is located on a peninsula in Casco Bay, which is part of the Gulf of Maine and the Atlantic Ocean.

Portland shares borders with South Portland, Westbrook, and Falmouth.

Weather in Portland

Portland has a climate with cold, snowy winters and warm, shorter summers. The average high temperature is about 30°F (0°C) in January and 80°F (27°C) in July. Temperatures can reach 90°F (32°C) about four days a year. It can also get to 0°F (-18°C) or colder about ten nights a year.

The city gets a lot of rain, averaging about 47.2 inches (120 cm) per year. Snowfall averages about 69 inches (175 cm) per year. Big snowstorms, called nor'easters, can bring over a foot of snow. Hurricanes are rare because the ocean waters off Maine are usually cooler.

Rising Sea Levels

Portland is affected by global warming and rising sea levels. The coast is warming quickly. Sea levels are predicted to rise by 10–17 inches (25–43 cm) by 2030 compared to 2000 levels. This is a big concern for people and ocean life.

In January 2024, Portland had a record-high tide of 14.57 feet (4.44 m). This, along with heavy rain and strong winds, caused serious flooding.

Neighborhoods of Portland

Portland waterfront looking west

Park Street Row in the West End, completed 1835

Portland has many neighborhoods that residents recognize. These neighborhoods often have local groups that work with the city government.

In 1899, Portland added the city of Deering. So, some northern and eastern parts of Portland today used to be part of Deering. Deering High School was once the high school for Deering.

Some of Portland's neighborhoods include the Arts District, Bayside, East Deering, East End, Munjoy Hill, the Old Port, and the West End.

Recently, some neighborhoods have become more expensive, making it harder for long-time residents to afford to live there. In 2015, Portland had the second-largest increase in apartment rents in the country.

Population and People

Who Lives in Portland?

In 2010, Portland had 66,194 people living in 30,725 households. Most residents (85%) were White. About 7.1% were African American, and 3.5% were Asian. People of Hispanic or Latino background made up 3.0% of the population.

The average age in Portland was 36.7 years old. About 17.1% of residents were under 18, and 12.6% were 65 or older.

Map of Portland's poverty rate and accessibility to public transit and grocery stores

Economy and Jobs

Municipal ferries on the Portland waterfront

Portland is Maine's economic center. It has the state's largest port and population, and it's close to Boston. The economy has changed from fishing and manufacturing to mostly service jobs. Many banks and financial companies have their main Maine offices in Portland.

Companies like Unum and Covetrus have their headquarters here. Neighboring cities like South Portland also host large companies.

Portland's East End waterfront with new marina and high-tech companies.

The city's port is growing again. In 2016, the first-ever train carrying shipping containers left the International Marine Terminal. It carried bottled tap water made locally.

In 2020, Portland was chosen for a new research center focusing on artificial intelligence. This center will offer programs for graduate students.

Portland is also known as one of the "best places to live" in the United States.

Arts and Fun Things to Do

Maine Narrow Gauge Railroad

The Time and Temperature Building

Portland has a rich history in the arts. In the early 1800s, it was a major arts center. Famous writers like Henry Wadsworth Longfellow started their careers here.

Since 2000, Portland has hosted a "First Friday Art Walk" every month. Over 3,000 people come to see art galleries and studios.

Places to Visit

The Arts District, located on Congress Street, is a hub for culture. Here you can find:

• The Portland Museum of Art
• The Portland Stage Company
• The Maine Historical Society & Museum
• The Portland Public Library
• The Maine College of Art
• The Children's Museum of Maine
• Merrill Auditorium, home to the Kotzschmar Memorial Organ and the Portland Symphony Orchestra

Portland also has many beautiful parks and green spaces. These include Baxter Boulevard around Back Cove, Deering Oaks Park, the Eastern Promenade, and the Western Promenade.

Thompson's Point is an area that has been redeveloped. It now has a concert venue, an ice rink, hotels, restaurants, and breweries.

Famous Buildings

Wadsworth-Longfellow House

The spire of the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception has been a key part of Portland's skyline since 1854. The United States Custom House on Fore Street is another historic building.

Franklin Towers is a 16-story apartment building. For many years, it was Maine's tallest residential building.

The Time and Temperature Building on Congress Street is a well-known landmark. It has a large electronic sign on its roof that shows the time and temperature. The Press Herald Building, built in 1923, is across from Portland City Hall.

The Westin Portland Harborview is a famous hotel built in 1927. Photographer Todd Webb took many pictures of Portland during his later years.

Media in Portland

Portland has one daily newspaper, The Portland Press Herald/Maine Sunday Telegram. It was started in 1862. There are also other local newspapers and magazines.

Portland is the largest area in Maine for radio and TV stations. Many radio stations play different types of music, from classic hits to modern rock. WMPG is a local radio station run by the community and the University of Southern Maine.

Television stations in Portland include WCSH 6 (NBC), WMTW 8 (ABC), and WGME 13 (CBS).

Food and Drinks

Restaurants and Cafes

Downtown Portland, especially the Arts District and the Old Port, has many places to eat and drink. There are also many food trucks and carts, especially in the summer.

Some well-known restaurants include Fore Street, Duckfat, and Becky's Diner.

Portland's Food Fame

Portland is famous for its great restaurants and food scene. Many TV food shows have visited the city. In 2018, Bon Appetit magazine named Portland the Restaurant City of the Year.

Beverages and Breweries

Portland has many juice bars, coffee shops, and tea houses. It's also home to several breweries and distilleries.

Some popular breweries are D. L. Geary Brewing Company, Gritty McDuff's Brewing Company, and Shipyard Brewing Company.

The city is known for its very pure tap water, which comes from Sebago Lake. The EPA says it's one of the few water supplies in the country that doesn't need extra filtering.

Farmers Markets and Vegetarian Food

The Portland Farmers' Market is held on Wednesdays and Saturdays. It offers fresh local produce.

Portland has the most vegan and vegetarian restaurants in Maine. In 2019, the Portland Public Schools started offering a hot vegan school meal option every day.

Food Festivals

Portland hosts several food and drink festivals throughout the year:

• Festival of Nations: Celebrates different cultures in July.
• Greek Festival: A three-day event in June.
• Harvest on the Harbor: A multi-day event in October.
• Italian Street Festival & Bazaar: A three-day event in August.
• Maine Brewers Festival: Held several times a year.
• Maine VegFest: Features all vegan food in October.
• Maine Restaurant Week: A twelve-day event in March.
• Maine Seaweed Week: Takes place in the spring.

Food History

The Portland Farmers Market has been running since 1768.

Portland is where Prohibition (the ban on alcohol) started in the U.S. In 1851, Portland's mayor, Neal Dow, led Maine to ban alcohol sales.

Canned corn was invented in Portland by the N. Winslow company. By 1852, their canned corn was very popular worldwide. The B&M Baked Beans canning plant operated in Portland until 2021.

In the early 1900s, a Little Italy neighborhood grew around India Street. Amato's Italian delicatessen on India Street is said to be where the "Maine Italian sandwich" was first served in 1902.

In 2024, two Portland bakeries won awards from the James Beard Foundation: ZU Bakery for Outstanding Bakery and Norimoto Bakery for Outstanding Pastry Chef or Baker.

Sports Teams

Hadlock Field, home of the Portland Sea Dogs

Fitzpatrick Stadium

Portland is home to several sports teams. The Portland Sea Dogs are a minor league baseball team linked to the Boston Red Sox. They play at Hadlock Field. The Maine Celtics are a basketball team connected to the Boston Celtics. They play at the Portland Exposition Building. The Maine Mariners are an ice hockey team linked to the Boston Bruins. They play at Cross Insurance Arena. A new soccer team, the Portland Hearts of Pine, will start playing in 2025.

In 2024, Sports Business Journal said Portland was the best minor league sports market in America.

The Portland Rugby Football Club was founded in 1969 and is the city's oldest active sports team.

The Portland Sports Complex has several stadiums and arenas:

• Hadlock Field for baseball (seats 7,368)
• Fitzpatrick Stadium for football, soccer, and other sports (seats over 6,000)
• Portland Exposition Building for basketball and concerts (seats 3,000)
• Portland Ice Arena for hockey and figure skating

Portland also hosts the Maine Marathon every October.

Parks and Outdoor Fun

Portland has over 700 acres of parks and open spaces. The city and nearby towns are connected by 70 miles (113 km) of trails, both in the city and in the woods. These trails are managed by Portland Trails, a non-profit group.

The Portland Parks Conservancy helps raise money for the city's parks. In 2021, they started the Portland Youth Corp. This program pays young people aged 14-16 to work in Portland's parks.

The city uses organic methods to care for its public and private green spaces. In 2018, Portland banned the use of man-made pesticides.

Some well-known and historic parks include:

• Deering Oaks Park
• Eastern Promenade
• Western Promenade
• Baxter Boulevard
• Lincoln Park
• Congress Square Park
• Payson Park
• East End Beach
• East End Trail
• Bayside Trail
• Kennedy Park
• Riverside Municipal Golf Course
• Fort Sumner Park
• Baxter Woods
• Fore River Sanctuary
• Quarry Run Dog Park
• Riverton Trolley Park

Parks with splash pads and pools for cooling off include:

• Deering Oaks Ravine
• Kiwanis Pool
• Peppermint Park
• Payson Park
• Stone Street Playground

Education and Learning

Portland High School

New buildings at USM in Portland

High Schools

Portland has several high schools, both public and private:

• Baxter Academy for Technology and Science (a charter school)
• Casco Bay High School (a public school with a special learning style)
• Cheverus High School (a private school)
• Deering High School (a public school)
• Portland Arts & Technology High School (a public school focusing on job skills)
• Portland High School (a public school)
• Waynflete School (a private school)

Colleges and Universities

Several colleges and universities are expanding their campuses in Portland. This growth could bring the total number of college students in the city to 15,000 within 20 years.

Colleges and universities in Portland include:

• Institute for Doctoral Studies in the Visual Arts
• Maine College of Art
• Roux Institute
• University of Maine School of Law
• University of New England
• University of Southern Maine

City Services and Transportation

Fire Department

The Portland Fire Department (PFD) provides fire protection and emergency medical services. It was started in 1768. The PFD has over 230 firefighters and operates from seven fire stations. They also have stations on islands like Peaks Island and at the Portland International Jetport.

Police Department

The Portland Police Department is the largest city police department in Maine.

Hospitals

Maine Medical Center

Maine Medical Center is the largest hospital in Maine and the state's only Level I trauma center. This means it can handle the most serious injuries.

Mercy Hospital is another large hospital in the city.

Transportation in Portland

Roads

Portland from above, looking north along I-295

You can reach Portland by major highways like I-95 (the Maine Turnpike), I-295, and US 1. U.S. Route 302, a scenic route, ends in Portland.

Buses and Trains

Portland Transportation Center

Amtrak's Downeaster train service runs five times a day. It connects Portland's station to cities south of Portland, ending in Boston. Trains also go north to Freeport and Brunswick.

Concord Coach Lines offers bus service from Portland to other towns in Maine and to Boston. Both the train and bus services are found at the Portland Transportation Center.

Local Bus Service

Local bus service is provided by Greater Portland Metro. It connects to bus services in South Portland and Biddeford.

Airports

Commercial flights are available at the Portland International Jetport (PWM). It's located west of downtown. Airlines like American, Southwest, and JetBlue fly from here. You can fly directly to many major cities across the U.S.

Water Transportation

The Port of Portland is a popular stop for cruise ships. Ferry service is available all year to many islands in Casco Bay. The ferry to Peaks Island also carries cars for most of its schedule.

From 2014 to 2015, the ferry Nova Star traveled daily to Yarmouth, Nova Scotia. Now, Bay Ferries operates a ferry called The Cat on this route.

Notable People from Portland

Sister Cities

Portland has several sister cities around the world:

• Arkhangelsk, Russia
• Cap-Haïtien, Haiti
• Garissa Township, Kenya
• Mytilene, Greece
• Shinagawa (Tokyo), Japan

See also

In Spanish: Portland (Maine) para niños