The Cumberland County Civic Center was built at the top of the Old Port in 1977. During that same decade, the Old Port Association formed and helped halt the city's demolition of historic buildings (see: Portland (Maine) Union Station) and lobbied for street scape improvements. ![]() A new group of restaurants emerged that included The Hollow Reed on Fore Street that are cited for influencing the city's current restaurant culture. The Old Port was transformed in the 1970s when real estate developers purchased derelict buildings and refurbished them into apartments, condos, offices and retail space. In 2015, the renovated building became the Press Hotel. At the top of Exchange Street, strategically located across Congress Street from Portland City Hall, is the Press Herald Building built in 1923 and expanded in 1948 as the headquarters of the Portland Press Herald. Historically, Exchange Street was where many printers and newspapers were located. In 1866 a major fire swept through the area, bringing on a wave of new construction. Commercial Street was created by fill in the 1850s, and Middle and Exchanges Street area developed as a major commercial district. The city rebuilt, and again became a major shipping center and Maine's leading port and economic center. At the outbreak of the American Revolutionary War, a large part of the city was destroyed by fire in a British raid in October 1775. It prospered economically in the 18th century due to the lumber trade, particularly the trade in virgin trees used as ship masts. It was resettled, and incorporated as Falmouth in 1718. The Portland peninsula was first settled in the 17th century, but was abandoned during the French and Indian Wars of the late 17th and early 18th centuries. Ī large portion of this area has been designated a historic district, and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places as the "Portland Waterfront Historic District". The shore area on the southeast side of commercial street is lined with wharves. It extends inland as far as Federal Street, between Pearl and Temple Streets, with Fore and Middle Streets as major cross streets that very roughly parallel the waterfront. It is bounded on the east by Franklin Street (United States Route 1A), with Commercial Street southwest along the waterfront, with 19th century buildings on its north side as far west as Maple Street. Just make sure you plan out your visit as best as possible so you get to the most out of your time in this beautiful city.The Old Port district is located on the southeast side of the Portland peninsula, overlooking the wide mouth of the Fore River. Regardless of what your interests are, there is plenty for cruise guests to see and experience in Portland. The Fore River Sanctuary is absolutely aglow in autumn colors from late-September through October. You can also head to the Fore River Sanctuary, just a few miles northwest of downtown, and hike to Jewell Falls. The trail completely encircles the Back Cove - a tidal basin - and offers great views of the Portland skyline. To stretch your legs, head to the northern end of the city to connect with the Back Cove Trail. ![]() Visitors can explore the shops and galleries, seafood restaurants, and scenic coastline.
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