Industry grew and Portland became a mecca for shipping and trading companies. The waterfront was expanded and residential areas like State Street became the fashionable districts of the 1830's. The Phoenix, the mythical bird that rises from the ashes, aptly symbolizes Portland's legendary rebirth after the Great Fire of 1866 leveled the city for the fourth time. Almost completely rebuilt during the Victorian era, Portland has preserved much of its 19th century architecture and flavor.
History is kept alive in Portland with constant attention to landmark preservation.
Downtown, Old World charm mixes with modern buildings while the ornate architecture and cobblestone streets of the Old Port Exchange take one back to a time when the pace of life was slower. 1632 English settlers inhabited the Portland Peninsula, then called by the Indian name Machigonne. The name was changed to Casco and, in 1658, to Falmouth. The entire Casco Bay area became part of the Massachusetts Bay Colony. 1675 Area completely destroyed by Indians during King Philip's War.