Deborah & William Hillyard
Deborah & William Hillyard
Deborah & William Hillyard
Deborah & William Hillyard
Deborah & William Hillyard
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Vacations -
Maine- Portland
Portland, Maine, is a very attractive, comfortable town. In 2009, Forbes.com ranked it number one of "America's Most Livable Cities".
The English sea captain Christopher Levett started a settlement in the area in 1623, but it was not permanently settled until 1633 when it was called Casco. By 1658, it became known as Falmouth. After the Revolutionary War, a section of Falmouth separated in 1786 and became known as Portland. Between 1820 and 1832, Portland was the capital of the new state of Maine, after which Augusta became the capital.
There are a number of lighthouses around the Portland area, and we have pictures and details of several in the Lighthouse section of the website. To many people, Portland is really South Portland, home of the Maine Mall and numerous other shopping destinations. In fact, we usually stay in South Portland as the hotels are half the price, and the overnight parking is easy.
The English sea captain Christopher Levett started a settlement in the area in 1623, but it was not permanently settled until 1633 when it was called Casco. By 1658, it became known as Falmouth. After the Revolutionary War, a section of Falmouth separated in 1786 and became known as Portland. Between 1820 and 1832, Portland was the capital of the new state of Maine, after which Augusta became the capital.
There are a number of lighthouses around the Portland area, and we have pictures and details of several in the Lighthouse section of the website. To many people, Portland is really South Portland, home of the Maine Mall and numerous other shopping destinations. In fact, we usually stay in South Portland as the hotels are half the price, and the overnight parking is easy.
Introduction
Essentially in its original state, The U.S. Custom House is a mixture of Renaissance Revival and Second Empire styles. It was designed under the auspices of Alfred B. Mullett, and completed in 1872.
The harbor in 1853.
Longfellow Square in around 1906.
City Hall in around 1910.
Built in 1807, the Portland Observatory is the only maritime signal tower left in the United States. It is 26 meters (86 feet) tall and sits 68 meters (222 feet) above sea level. It ceased operation in 1923, and is now open to the public for guided tours.
Another Portland landmark, this is Becky's Diner on Hobson's Wharf off Commercial Street down on the waterfront. They serve good, reliable diner fare and seafood.
One of the Whaling Wall murals by the artist Wyland (Robert Wyland). On the side of the Marine State Pier, this one is number WW 36 “Whales off the Coast of Maine”. It is 1,000 feet long and was dedicated on June 7th, 1993.
On the left, (green roof) is part of the Maine State Pier complex, with one of the Commercial Street docks in front.
To the left, a view of the East End district of Portland. To the right, the Portland Lobster Co restaurant between Chandler's Wharf and Long Wharf off Commercial Street.
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