Portland Essentials

OVERVIEW

Visit several public gathering places downtown and come away with a better understanding of daily life and Portland’s heritage. The waterfront Cleeves and Tucker Memorial is a granite obelisk dedicated to Portland’s founding families and offers a historical perspective of the city, which was incorporated in 1786. Similarly, the bronze Our Lady of Victories statue in Monument Square honors the thousands of Portland soldiers and sailors that served in the Civil War. Being in the heart of downtown, the square is always bustling and a great place for people-watching. The ambiance at Lincoln Park is quite the opposite as this urban oasis is exceptionally tranquil. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places for its significance as a place of respite for downtown workers. Deering Oaks Park is equally serene and being much larger accommodates all sorts of recreational facilities. Even so, you can’t help but feel relaxed while walking its winding paths.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Behold a granite monument and a bronze statue that reflect Portland’s heritage.
• Pause at a downtown park that earned a spot on the National Register of Historic Places.
• Enjoy different perspectives of Portland: one at a serene park, the other in a busy square.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.