Destination Portland, Maine Cruises
Portland, Maine is located on a peninsula that extends into Casco Bay and is Maine's largest city. Portland is informally called the "Forest City" which is derived from a government funded cemetery called Forest City Cemetery in the 1850's. The town is situated on Maine's southernmost border. The West End has a lot of Victorian era homes as well as the Victoria Mansion Museum. Unfortunately, the city of Portland has been leveled numerous times. Portland got its name from the British Isle of Portland.
In 1675, Portland was set on fire by Native Americans during a raid that led to a conflict from 1675-1676. But that wasn't the only one, in May 1690 there was a much bigger attack by a combined effort from the French and indigenous forces who also leveled the city to the ground. In 1866, Portland was also burnt by another fire that leveled 1800 buildings and leaving 4000 people homeless.
The Port of Portland is closer to Europe than any other port transatlantic port in the United States. It also boasts that it's the 20th largest fishing port in the country. Portland was Maine's first state capital for seven years when the state legislature changed it to Augusta, Maine.
One of the great things to do in Portland is check out the famous Maine Mall. It is the largest commercial, retail, and office complex north of Boston. If the mall is closed the population in South Portland is about 23,000 people. However, if the mall is open, that number increases to anywhere from 60,000 to 80,000 people.
The second Sunday of every June they hold their annual Old Port Festival with live music and street performers and all types of local cuisine.
In 1675, Portland was set on fire by Native Americans during a raid that led to a conflict from 1675-1676. But that wasn't the only one, in May 1690 there was a much bigger attack by a combined effort from the French and indigenous forces who also leveled the city to the ground. In 1866, Portland was also burnt by another fire that leveled 1800 buildings and leaving 4000 people homeless.
The Port of Portland is closer to Europe than any other port transatlantic port in the United States. It also boasts that it's the 20th largest fishing port in the country. Portland was Maine's first state capital for seven years when the state legislature changed it to Augusta, Maine.
One of the great things to do in Portland is check out the famous Maine Mall. It is the largest commercial, retail, and office complex north of Boston. If the mall is closed the population in South Portland is about 23,000 people. However, if the mall is open, that number increases to anywhere from 60,000 to 80,000 people.
The second Sunday of every June they hold their annual Old Port Festival with live music and street performers and all types of local cuisine.
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Portland, Maine is a Port of Call for the following New England Cruises:
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Things to do in Portland, Maine
VICTORIA MANSION
The Victoria Mansion was built between 1858 and 1860. The original intent was that it be used as a summer home for Ruggles Sylvester and his wife Olive Ruggles. Although they were originally from Maine, they made their fortune operating luxury hotels in New Orleans.
For more information check out their website: https://victoriamansion.org/
MAINE BREW BUS
If you are a fan of craft brewing, make sure to take one of the Maine Brew Bus open-air brewery tours. You will walk and taste the breweries in Old Portland. This is the best way to safely experience breweries while you leave the driving to someone else.
For more information check out their website: https://themainebrewbus.com/
If you are a fan of craft brewing, make sure to take one of the Maine Brew Bus open-air brewery tours. You will walk and taste the breweries in Old Portland. This is the best way to safely experience breweries while you leave the driving to someone else.
For more information check out their website: https://themainebrewbus.com/
Get to know Portland, Maine
- Portland's population is 66,417 as of 2018, with 40% of those living in the greater metro area.
- A cool fact is Portland, Oregon actually got its name from a pair of New Englanders in a coin toss.
- Author Stephen King and poet Henry Wadsworth Longfellow were both born in Portland.
- Native swimmer Ian Crocker is a five time Olympic medalist.
- The first gum chewing factory ever built was in Portland by businessman John Curtis back in 1850.
Updated 01/13/21 - pl