Near Bailey in Fannin County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)
Portland
Photographed by Jeff Leichsenring, September 2, 2026
1. Portland Marker
The earliest known settler in the Portland community was Jesse Green London (1843-1875). A native of Missouri and a Confederate veteran who brought his family here in 1873. Other early settlers included members of the Tefteller, Cline, Bell, Henderson, Goin, and Biggerstaff families.
The small farming community boasted several business establishments, including a blacksmith shop and a wood shop by the late 1880s. The six-grade Portland School opened in 1879 and met in a one-room log building until the school district was consolidated with two other area schools in 1898. The grocery store served as a residence and post office as well. Founded at the end of the 19th century, the Portland Congregational Methodist Church worshiped in the old log schoolhouse until 1909 when a sanctuary was built at this site.
The opportunity for Portland to grow and prosper was denied when the rail line was laid south of the settlement. Although a few homes and this church building are all that remain of the community, the settlers left a rich heritage for their descendants, many of whom still live in the area.
Erected 1984 by Texas
this page online
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Settlements & Settlers. A significant historical year for this entry is 1873.
Location. 33° 26.722′ N, 96° 8.813′ W. Marker is near Bailey, Texas, in Fannin County. It is at the intersection of Farm to Market Road 1552 and County Road 3720, on the right when traveling west on Road 1552. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1171 FM1552, Bailey TX 75413, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in the Prairies & Lakes Region. It is also in the American South. Globally, it is in North America, a Gulf of Mexico state, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain, the Republic of Texas, one of the Confederate States of America, and the Antebellum South.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 5 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Ashley Lodge No. 681, A. F. & A. M. (approx. 1.4 miles away); First Baptist Church of Bailey (approx. 1.4 miles away); Gober Baptist Church
Photographed by Jeff Leichsenring, September 2, 2026
2. Portland Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on September 4, 2026. It was originally submitted on September 2, 2026, by Jeff Leichsenring of Garland, Texas. This page has been viewed 8 times since then. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on September 2, 2026, by Jeff Leichsenring of Garland, Texas. • James Hulse was the editor who published this page.
