Congress Street, Portland
Congress Street, the primary thoroughfare in Portland, extends from the city's southwestern border with Westbrook, passing through various neighborhoods, until it reaches the Eastern Promenade on Munjoy Hill. Recognizing its historical significance, the Portland City Council designated a significant portion of the inner section of Congress Street as an official historic district in March 2009. Notably, the western part of the street is home to the city's vibrant Arts District.
When British colonists established what is now Portland in the early 18th century, the population primarily settled near the waterfront, specifically around present-day India Street. Congress Street, initially known as Back Street and later renamed Queen Street, was carefully planned. The street's early prominent structures included the First Parish Meeting House, constructed in 1740 and replaced with the current building in the 1820s, as well as the hay scales in Market Square, which would later be referred to as Monument Square. During the period leading up to the American Revolutionary War, Back Street marked the town's outskirts. In 1823, it was officially renamed Congress Street.
In 1921, the Etz Chaim Synagogue was built towards the eastern end of Congress Street, near Munjoy Hill. Remarkably, as of 2011, it remained the only immigrant-era synagogue in Maine that still operated.
When British colonists established what is now Portland in the early 18th century, the population primarily settled near the waterfront, specifically around present-day India Street. Congress Street, initially known as Back Street and later renamed Queen Street, was carefully planned. The street's early prominent structures included the First Parish Meeting House, constructed in 1740 and replaced with the current building in the 1820s, as well as the hay scales in Market Square, which would later be referred to as Monument Square. During the period leading up to the American Revolutionary War, Back Street marked the town's outskirts. In 1823, it was officially renamed Congress Street.
In 1921, the Etz Chaim Synagogue was built towards the eastern end of Congress Street, near Munjoy Hill. Remarkably, as of 2011, it remained the only immigrant-era synagogue in Maine that still operated.
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Congress Street on Map
Sight Name: Congress Street
Sight Location: Portland, USA (See walking tours in Portland)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Portland, USA (See walking tours in Portland)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Portland, Maine
Create Your Own Walk in Portland
Creating your own self-guided walk in Portland is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Historical Buildings Walking Tour
There is no doubt that Mainers have made a great mark in the history of the United States, and the seaside city of Portland is no exception. The local architectural heritage encapsulates several centuries, reflecting various periods of American history 鈥� from the early colonial settlers' homes to the industrious Victorians and their ornate dwellings, all the way through to the modern day... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.1 Km or 1.9 Miles
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.1 Km or 1.9 Miles
Portland Maine Introduction Walking Tour
If New York is the city that never sleeps, then Portland, Maine is the city that always dreams. Its magic is in its quiet, gentle allure. Located on the southern edge of Casco Bay, along the U.S. Atlantic coastline, Portland is known, among other things, for its picturesque natural setting.
Albeit the largest and most populous city in the State of Maine, there is a certain... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.5 Km or 1.6 Miles
Albeit the largest and most populous city in the State of Maine, there is a certain... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.5 Km or 1.6 Miles