Portland

views updated May 23 2018

Portland Largest city and port in Maine, USA. Due to its deep natural harbour on Casco Bay, a settlement (Falmouth) was established here in 1632. The town grew rapidly under the Massachusetts Bay Company. In 1775 it was devastated by the British during the American Revolution. From 1820 to 1832, it acted as state capital. The modern city is an oil terminus and shipping centre with important commercial links with Montréal. Pop. (2000) 64,249.