The city of Portland has had much tragedy over the years. In 1675 the community was destroyed by the Native American tribe, Wampanoag. It was rebuilt to be destroyed yet again several years later by the same tribe. In 1775 the community was bombarded during the Revolutionary War by the Royal Navy. They came ashore and burned the buildings that were not destroyed by the bombardment. Again they rebuilt the city. Then The Great Fire of July 4, 1866 ignited during a celebration. It destroyed most of the commercial buildings, ½ of the churches and hundreds of homes. More than 10,000 people were left homeless.
After that most all of the commercial buildings were rebuilt with brick and took on a Victorian appearance. Many huge Victorian homes were built on the west side of the city known as the West Prominade. The Customs building was built of granite on the outside and marble on the inside, with no wood at all.
After that most all of the commercial buildings were rebuilt with brick and took on a Victorian appearance. Many huge Victorian homes were built on the west side of the city known as the West Prominade. The Customs building was built of granite on the outside and marble on the inside, with no wood at all.
