History of Portland, Connecticut, USA

1841 - (Portland, CT) Originally named East Middletown or Conway, then Chatham, it was incorporated as a town in 1841.

connecticuthistory.org/ towns-page/ portland/

1854 - Portland
Portland, a thriving post-village of Middlesex county, Connecticut, on the left bank of Connecticut river, nearly opposite Middletown, about 15 miles S. E. by S. from Hart ford. Near by, and bordering the river, are the famous Portland quarries, from which building material is annually exported to the value of half a million of dollars. About 2000 men are here employed within an area not exceeding 100 acres. The stone is of a beautiful reddish color, and of a very superior quality ; being soft, it is easily worked, and yet is remarkable for its durability, as it in creases in hardness with time. Named from the celebrated English quarries. Population of the township, 2836.
A New and Complete Gazetteer of the United States: Giving a Full and Comprehensive Review of the Present Condition, Industry, and Resources of the American Confederacy ... Thomas Baldwin (of Philadelphia.) Joseph Thomas January 1, 1854 Philadelphia : Lippincott, Grambo & Company 1854.

1895 - Portland
Portland, a post-village in Portland township, Middlesex co., Conn., opposite Middletown, on the Boston & New York Air-Line Railroad, and on the E. bank of the Connecticut River, 14 miles S. of Hartford. It contain a national bank, a savings-bank, a high school, and several churches. Here are valuable quarries of red sandstone (freestone), an excellent material for building, of which many fine edifices in New York and other cities have been built. Nearly 1200 men are employed in these quarries. Portland has a manufactory of engine-governors, and a fine railroad-bridge over the river. P. of township (1890), 4687.
Lippincott's Gazetteer of the World: A Complete Pronouncing Gazetteer Or Geographical Dictionary of the World Containing Notices of Over One Hundred and Twenty-five Thousand Places ... Joseph Thomas January 1, 1895 J.B. Lippincott

1906
Portland, a banking post-village in Portland township (town), Middlesex co., Conn., on the New York, New Haven and Hartford R. and on the E. bank of the Connecticut River, opposite Middletown, 14 miles S. of Hartford. The town has valuable quarries of red sandstone (freestone), an excellent material for building, of which many fine edifices in the cities of the United States have been built. Portland has also enamelling and stamping-works and manufactories of machinery and couplings, wire, leather, etc. Pop. of the town in 1900, 3856.
Lippincott's New Gazetteer: A Complete Pronouncing Gazetteer Or Geographical Dictionary of the World, Containing the Most Recent and Authentic Information Respecting the Countries, Cities, Towns ... in Every Portion of the Globe Publisher J.B. Lippincott Company, 1906

1949 - Highway Safety Commission Lists 1948 Freak Accidents - Horse Meets Car
...Last September in Portland a saddle horse became tired of the routine obstacle jumps and bolted for the highway. An automobile blocked the path of the animal and it essayed a high-and-broad jump from front to rear. It cleared the radiator cap and hood, but its two front hooves crashed through the windshield and the rider came a cropper and landed sitting down on top of the car. The horse suffered cuts from the windshield and the motorist and rider were uninjured, but the hood, fenders and windshield of the car were damaged plenty...
Naugatuck News
Naugatuck, Connecticut
Wednesday, January 5, 1949

2023 - While Portland may not be as well-known as some of the bigger cities in Connecticut, it has its own unique charm and plenty of activities to offer. Here's a list to get you started:
Brownstone Exploration & Discovery Park: This former quarry has been transformed into an adventure park with activities like swimming, cliff jumping, kayaking, and zip-lining. It's a great place for outdoor enthusiasts.

Air Line State Park Trail: If you enjoy hiking, biking, or just going for a leisurely walk, this scenic rail trail is perfect. It stretches for miles through picturesque Connecticut countryside.

Gouveia Vineyards: Located just a short drive from Portland, this winery offers beautiful views of the surrounding vineyards and hills. You can take a tour, enjoy a wine tasting, or simply relax with a glass of their delicious wine.

Portland Riverfront Park: This park along the Connecticut River is a peaceful spot for a picnic, a stroll, or some bird watching. It also hosts events and concerts during the summer months.

Brownstone Intermediate School Playground: If you're traveling with kids, this playground is a great place for them to burn off some energy. It's... Read MORE...