City history
From its colonial roots as Falmouth to its status as a modern Atlantic port, discover the history and timekeeping milestones of Portland.
Chapter one
Earliest documented name
"Named after Falmouth in Cornwall, England"
While the region was part of the ancestral lands of the Wabanaki Confederacy, the first documented settlement name recorded in colonial history was Falmouth.
English namesake
The settlement was known as Falmouth before a name change was requested to avoid confusion with other locations.
Port city
The name was officially changed to reflect the city's growing identity as a major maritime center.
Chapter two
The railroad industry began using standardized time zones, which helped synchronize maritime and rail schedules in the Portland area.
The United States implemented daylight saving time during World War I, a practice Portland continues to observe to optimize daylight usage.
Chapter three
A massive fire destroyed much of the downtown business district, leading to a complete rebuilding of the city's core and modern infrastructure.
Construction of significant lighthouse structures to guide the increasing maritime traffic into the harbor and protect the fleet in Casco Bay.
The establishment of significant rail infrastructure connecting Portland to the broader New England region, facilitating industrial and passenger transport.
Modernization of ferry services to connect the mainland with the various islands of Casco Bay, enhancing local transit and tourism.