Portland: A City Named After a Coin Toss
Who Would've Thought?
So, you're curious about the name Portland, huh? Well, buckle up, because this story is as dramatic as a reality TV show, but with less fake drama and more historical accuracy.
Let's start with the basics. Portland, Oregon, isn't named after a particularly pretty flower (though the Rose City moniker is pretty spot on), nor is it named after a particularly portly person (although, let's be honest, some of those beards could give Santa a run for his money).
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Nope, the real reason Portland is called Portland is thanks to a coin toss. Yes, you read that right. A coin toss.
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| What is Portland Named After |
The Great Portland Name Debate
Back in the mid-1800s, two dudes named Asa Lovejoy and Francis Pettygrove were chillin' in what would eventually become Portland, Oregon. They were probably wearing flannel, sipping on some questionable coffee, and trying to figure out what to call their new little settlement.
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Lovejoy was all, "Let's call it Boston!" because he was clearly a huge fan of clam chowder and the Freedom Trail. Pettygrove, on the other hand, was like, "Nah, let's go with Portland," probably because he had a soft spot for Maine lobster rolls.
And so, the stage was set for one of history's most important coin tosses. Heads for Boston, tails for Portland. The coin flipped, the crowd (okay, maybe it was just the two of them) held their breath, and Pettygrove won.
QuickTip: Look for patterns as you read.
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Cue dramatic music.
So, there you have it. Portland, Oregon, is named after Portland, Maine, thanks to a lucky coin flip. Talk about high stakes!
Tip: Don’t rush — enjoy the read.
What Could Have Been
Just imagine if Lovejoy had won the toss. We could be sipping Boston Cream Donuts in the Pacific Northwest right now. Or worse, trying to find parking in a city called Boston, Oregon. Shudder.
But hey, Portland turned out pretty great. It's got great coffee, amazing food, and people who are weirdly obsessed with bicycles and public transportation. So maybe that coin toss wasn't such a bad thing after all.
How to Become a Portland Expert
Now that you know the thrilling tale of Portland's name, you might be wondering how to impress your friends with your newfound knowledge. Here are a few tips:
- How to pronounce Portland correctly: It's "Port-land," not "Port-lint." Trust us, the locals will appreciate it.
- How to order a proper coffee drink: Start with a latte, but don't be afraid to venture into the world of cold brew and nitro.
- How to find the best food carts: Follow your nose and the crowds. You won't be disappointed.
- How to dress like a Portlander: Flannel, jeans, and a good pair of boots are essential.
- How to embrace the outdoors: Hiking, biking, and camping are Portland staples. Get outside and enjoy nature!
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