The Great Penny Caper: How Portland (Almost) Became Boston Jr.
Portland, Oregon. The City of Roses. A land of quirky coffee shops, craft breweries, and enough plaid to make a lumberjack jealous. But have you ever wondered how this hipster haven got its, well, not-so-hipster name? Buckle up, because the story involves a land deal, some friendly competition, and a little something we like to call... destiny (decided by a coin toss).
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| How Did Portland Get Its Name |
East Coast Smackdown: Asa vs. Francis
The year is 1845. Two fellas, Asa Lovejoy (from Boston, Massachusetts) and Francis Pettygrove (hailing from Portland, Maine), join forces to develop a bustling little town on the Willamette River. They clear land, build roads, the whole shebang. But then comes the million-dollar question (well, more like a two-cent question): what to name this soon-to-be metropolis?
Both Asa and Francis, being the sentimental sorts, felt a strong connection to their hometowns. Asa, with a deep affection for baked beans and clam chowder, championed the name "Boston." Francis, on the other hand, yearned for a place name that evoked... lobster rolls? Maybe lighthouses? Whatever it was, his heart belonged to "Portland."
An epic duel was imminent! Except, instead of pistols at dawn, these gentlemen opted for a slightly less barbaric approach: a coin toss. Heads for Boston, tails for Portland. We can only imagine the nervous sweat, the muttered pleas to whatever gods were listening. And then... tails it was!
QuickTip: Revisit key lines for better recall.
Francis, with a triumphant fist pump (or perhaps a subdued Yankee cheer), secured naming rights. Thus, Portland, Oregon, was born.
Side note: You can actually see the very penny that decided Portland's fate at the Oregon Historical Society. They call it the "Portland Penny," but I think "The Penny of Destiny" has a much better ring to it.
So Why Didn't We End Up With Port-A-Bean?
Now, you might be wondering, "Couldn't they have just compromised and come up with a whole new name?" Well, dear reader, creativity wasn't exactly their strong suit. Besides, who wants to live in a place called "Willametteville"? Just doesn't have the same cachet, does it?
Tip: Check back if you skimmed too fast.
So there you have it, folks. The story of how Portland got its name is a delightful tale of chance, regional pride, and the enduring legacy of a lucky coin toss. Who knows, maybe if things had gone differently, we'd all be sipping on lattes in "Bostonville" today. Shudder at the thought.
Frequently Asked Questions (Portland Penny Edition)
How to visit the Portland Penny?
The Portland Penny is on display at the Oregon Historical Society in downtown Portland. So, you can channel your inner Indiana Jones and see the artifact that shaped a city's destiny!
Tip: A slow, careful read can save re-reading later.
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How to flip a coin like a pro?
Practice that wrist action! Aim for a clean flip with a good spin. Ideally, the coin should land with a satisfying clink on a hard surface. Though, maybe avoid using the Portland Penny for your coin-flipping endeavors.
How to convince your friend that Portland is a cooler name than Boston?
Tip: Reading in chunks improves focus.
This one requires a well-crafted argument. Highlight Portland's unique culture, stunning scenery, and abundance of craft beer. Boston's got history, sure, but Portland's got donuts shaped like cartoon characters. Checkmate.
How to celebrate the Portland Penny's legacy?
Every time you see a heads-or-tails decision being made, take a moment to appreciate the power of a coin toss. You never know, it might just change the course of history (or at least the name of a city).
How to avoid arguments about regional superiority between Maine and Massachusetts?
Stay out of it! Let them hash it out amongst themselves. You're here for the Portland Penny lore, not a full-blown chowder brawl.
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