Portland, Maine: A Tale of Two Portlands and a Coin Toss
So, you're curious about how Portland, Maine got its name, eh? Well, buckle up, because this story is as dramatic as a reality TV show, but with less fake tan and more historical accuracy.
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| How Did Portland Maine Get Its Name |
A Tale of Two Cities
Let's start with the obvious: Portland, Oregon exists. And it’s a great city, don’t get us wrong. But we’re here to talk about Maine. You know, the one with the lobster rolls and charming lighthouses?
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Now, you might be thinking, “Why on earth would someone name a city after another city?” Well, apparently, back in the day, people were less imaginative than they are now. Or maybe they were just really into alliteration. Who knows?
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The Coin Toss That Changed Everything
The real drama starts in 1845. Two business partners, Asa Lovejoy and Francis Pettygrove, were trying to decide on a name for their new settlement on the Oregon Territory. Lovejoy, being a Bostonian, wanted to call it Boston. Pettygrove, hailing from Portland, Maine, naturally suggested Portland.
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Instead of having a civilized debate or, you know, just flipping a coin, they decided to...well, you guessed it: flip a coin! Pettygrove won, and thus, Portland, Oregon was born. A classic case of "heads I win, tails you lose" with some pretty major consequences.
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Why Portland, Maine?
But why was Portland, Maine named Portland in the first place? Well, it's not because it's particularly portly (although it does have a certain charm). The name actually comes from the Isle of Portland in Dorset, England. It’s a bit of a mouthful, we know, but it basically means “land surrounding a harbor.” Which, if you’ve ever been to Portland, Maine, you know is pretty accurate.
So, there you have it. Portland, Maine, named after an island in England, which then inspired the name of a city on the other side of the country. It’s a convoluted tale, but hey, at least it’s interesting.
How To... Portland, Maine Edition
- How to pronounce Portland, Maine: It’s "PORT-land," not "pore-tland." Trust us, locals will appreciate it.
- How to enjoy Portland, Maine: Lobster rolls, lighthouses, and lots of charming shops.
- How to find the best lobster roll: Ask a local! They'll know where to find the juiciest crustacean goodness.
- How to experience Portland's history: Visit the Portland Museum of Art or take a walking tour.
- How to embrace the Maine state of mind: Slow down, relax, and enjoy the scenery.
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