Portland: The City That Could Have Been Boston?
Let's talk about Portland, Oregon. You know, that city where people ride bikes, drink copious amounts of coffee, and have a weird obsession with beards. But did you know that Portland almost had a completely different identity? A different vibe, a different history? It could have been... gasp... Boston on the West Coast!
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| What Was Portland Almost Named |
The Great Coin Toss of Destiny
Picture this: it's 1845. Two dudes, Francis Pettygrove and Asa Lovejoy, are squabbling over the name of their new little settlement. Pettygrove is a fan of Portland, Maine, where he's from. Lovejoy, on the other hand, is all about Boston, Massachusetts, his hometown. Can't these guys just agree on something?
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Well, apparently not. So, they decided to let fate decide. A coin toss. Yes, the future of an entire city hinged on the flip of a coin. Talk about high stakes! Pettygrove won, and Portland it became. But can you imagine a world where we're all talking about "Beantown on the Willamette"? It's enough to make your head spin.
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What If, What If?
Imagine a Portland filled with accents that sound like they belong in a Ken Burns documentary. Or a city where clam chowder is the ultimate comfort food. We might have had a completely different hipster scene. Would there be flannel-clad surfers? Would people still be obsessed with craft beer, or would they be guzzling Sam Adams? The possibilities are endless, and frankly, a bit terrifying.
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But let's be honest, Portland is pretty great just the way it is. The weirdness, the coffee, the bikes – it's all part of the charm. So, next time you're enjoying a perfectly roasted pour-over, take a moment to thank Francis Pettygrove for making the right call. And if you're feeling adventurous, try a lobster roll. Just kidding. Don't do that.
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How to Embrace Your Inner Portlander
- How to dress like a Portlander: Layers, preferably flannel. Add a beanie for extra hipster points.
- How to order coffee like a Portlander: "I'll have a medium oat milk latte with two pumps of hazelnut and a sprinkle of cinnamon, please."
- How to find your inner peace in Portland: Go for a hike, visit a farmers market, or simply stare out the window at the rain.
- How to survive a Portland winter: Invest in a good raincoat, embrace the coziness, and stock up on hot chocolate.
- How to appreciate Portland's weirdness: Embrace it! It's what makes this city unique.
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