Portland in Middlesex County, Connecticut — The American Northeast (New England)
Portland
Formerly known as East Middletown (1714-1767), later as Chatham (1767-1841), Portland was incorporated in 1841. Land had been granted on the east side of the Connecticut River in 1652; the first permanent settler, James Stancliff, a stone cutter, built his home here about 1690. The area was inhabited by Wangunk Indians, whose name translated means "Big Bend" (in the river).
Portland became famous for its brownstone, which was quarried here for over two hundred years. It was used in the construction of public buildings and mansions still to be seen in major coastal cities, most notably New York City. Nearly one hundred other minerals have been found in local quarries. Shipbuilding was a major industry for nearly two centuries, providing vessels for war and trade. Production of Pickering engine governors, tinware, and fertilizers, with feldspar mining and tobacco cultivation, has contributed to the growth of Portland.
Erected 1979 by Town of Portland, Portland Historical Society, Connecticut Historical Commission.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Settlements & Settlers. A significant historical year for this entry is 1841.
Location. 41° 34.534′ N, 72° 38.311′ W. Marker is in Portland, Connecticut, in Middlesex County. Marker is on Main Street north of Freestone Avenue, on the right when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Portland CT 06480, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within one mile of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Brownstone Arch (here, next to this marker); Portland’s Arch (a few steps from this marker); Portland Brownstone (approx. 0.3 miles away); Settling Middletown (approx. 0.9 miles away); Founders Rock (approx. 0.9 miles away); Commodore Thomas Macdonough (approx. 0.9 miles away); St. John Church (approx. one mile away); deKoven House Community Center (approx. one mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Portland.
Also see . . .
1. Town of Portland Connecticut. (Submitted on February 18, 2023, by Michael Herrick of Southbury, Connecticut.)
2. Portland, Connecticut (Wikipedia). (Submitted on February 18, 2023, by Michael Herrick of Southbury, Connecticut.)
Credits. This page was last revised on February 18, 2023. It was originally submitted on February 18, 2023, by Michael Herrick of Southbury, Connecticut. This page has been viewed 39 times since then and 4 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on February 18, 2023, by Michael Herrick of Southbury, Connecticut.