Portland history

The history of Portland, the largest city in the state of Oregon, is a classic tale of the settlement of the American West, where a fortunate geographical location, the entrepreneurial spirit of its founders, and the region's natural wealth played key roles.

Foundation and First Mentions

The city was founded in the 1840s on the banks of the Willamette River. In 1843, pioneer William Overton and lawyer Asa Lovejoy acquired a plot of land here. Soon after, Overton sold his share to Francis Pettygrove. It was Pettygrove and Lovejoy who decided the fate of the future city's name with a coin toss. Lovejoy, a native of Boston, wanted to name the settlement after the capital of Massachusetts, while Pettygrove, originally from Maine, insisted on the name Portland. Luck smiled upon Pettygrove, and the city received its current name. Portland officially received city status in 1851.

Key Factors of Development

Portland's rapid growth in the 19th century was driven by several factors:

• Geographical Location: Its location at the confluence of the Willamette and Columbia rivers provided the city with access to the Pacific Ocean, transforming it into a significant seaport. This made Portland a key centre for the transportation of goods.
• Trade: The city became the main hub for exporting the region's natural resources, primarily timber and wheat. Active deforestation to clear the area for construction even gifted the city one of its early nicknames — "Stumptown" (City of Stumps).
• "Gold Rushes": Portland served as an important transit point and supply centre during the gold rushes in California and the Klondike, which also contributed to its economic prosperity.

Early Cultural and Economic Features

In the first decades of its existence, Portland developed as a typical port city with a lively business environment. The economy was based on the logging and wood processing industries. By 1850, the population had reached about 800 people, and the city was already publishing its own newspaper. Its strategic location and developed port infrastructure laid the foundation for Portland's future growth as one of the largest economic and cultural centres in the Pacific Northwest of the USA.

Key Dates in Portland's History

• 1845 — The city's founders, Francis Pettygrove and Asa Lovejoy, tossed a coin to decide whether to name the new settlement Portland (after the city in Maine) or Boston (after the city in Massachusetts).
• 1851 — Portland officially receives city status; its population at that time numbered around 800 people.
• 1873 — The Great Fire destroys 20 blocks in the city centre, leading to massive reconstruction and modernization of urban infrastructure.
• 1883 — Construction of the Northern Pacific Railway is completed, connecting Portland to the East Coast of the USA and strengthening its status as a vital transport and trade hub.
• 1887 — The first Morrison Bridge opens across the Willamette River, becoming the first of many bridges that would later earn Portland the nickname "Bridgetown".
• 1905 — The city hosts the World's Fair, celebrating the centennial of the Lewis and Clark Expedition, attracting thousands of visitors to Portland and contributing to its rapid growth.
• 1942 — With the onset of World War II, Henry Kaiser's shipyards open in Portland, causing a massive influx of workers and a significant increase in population.
• 1948 — A devastating flood on the Columbia River completely destroys the city of Vanport, built for shipyard workers, leaving 18,000 people homeless.
• 1972 — The six-lane Harbor Drive highway on the west bank of the Willamette River is demolished, replaced by the creation of Tom McCall Waterfront Park, which becomes a symbol of progressive urban planning.
• 1980 — The eruption of Mount St. Helens in the neighbouring state of Washington covers the city in a layer of ash and has a significant impact on the region.
• 1986 — The first line of the MAX (Metropolitan Area Express) light rail is launched, marking the beginning of the development of one of the most effective public transport systems in the USA.
• 2001 — The MAX line is extended to Portland International Airport, improving transport accessibility for the city.

Key Stages of Portland's Development

Portland's development is marked by several turning points that defined its economic, cultural, and urban appearance. Here are some of the most significant milestones:

• Arrival of the Railway (1883): The completion of the Northern Pacific Railway connected Portland with the East Coast of the USA. This transformed the city from a regional port into a national transport hub, giving a powerful boost to timber and grain exports and contributing to population growth.
• World's Fair (1905): The exhibition dedicated to the centennial of the Lewis and Clark Expedition attracted hundreds of thousands of visitors and investors to the city. This event not only accelerated economic growth and led to a construction boom but also strengthened Portland's cultural significance on the world stage.
• Military Shipbuilding (1940s): During World War II, Henry Kaiser's shipyards made Portland one of the country's main shipbuilding centres. The massive influx of workers radically changed the city's demographics and laid the foundation for its post-war industrial development.
• Creation of Waterfront Park (1972): The decision to demolish the six-lane Harbor Drive highway and establish Tom McCall Park in its place was a revolutionary step in urban planning. This project symbolized the transition to creating a "green" and human-centric city, defining Portland's reputation as a leader in sustainable development.
• Development of Public Transport (1986): The launch of the first MAX (Metropolitan Area Express) light rail line initiated the creation of one of the most efficient public transport systems in the USA. This influenced the city's structure, stimulating development along transit corridors and reducing reliance on cars.
• Rise of the "Silicon Forest" (since the 1980s): The emergence and growth of major technology companies, such as Intel and Tektronix, in the Portland metropolitan area formed a high-tech cluster known as the "Silicon Forest". This diversified the city's economy, shifting the focus from traditional industries to innovation and technology.

The architectural appearance of Portland represents an eclectic mix of styles, reflecting its development from a 19th-century port city to a modern metropolis known for its progressive urban planning and attention to ecology. Unlike many older cities, it is not classical European styles that predominate here, but rather later American movements that have formed a unique and diverse urban landscape.

Victorian Era and Cast-Iron Architecture (Late 19th Century)

Portland's early growth as a trade and port centre left a noticeable mark on its architecture. In the historic Old Town district, one of the largest collections of buildings with cast-iron facades in the USA has been preserved. This style, popular in the second half of the 19th century, allowed for the creation of elegant and durable structures with a multitude of decorative elements. Buildings from this period, such as the Grand Stable and Carriage Building, demonstrate details of Italianate and Victorian styles characteristic of the city's era of prosperity. Many of these structures have been restored, and today they house galleries, shops, and restaurants.

Early 20th Century: Classicism and First Skyscrapers

With the arrival of the 20th century, more monumental structures in the Classical Revival style began to appear in Portland's architecture. A vivid example is the U.S. National Bank Building, built in 1917, which has preserved its majestic appearance to this day. During this same period, the city began to grow upwards. Although Portland is not famous for super-tall skyscrapers due to height restrictions intended to preserve views of Mount Hood, buildings constructed in the mid-century, such as the Wells Fargo Center (1972), defined its skyline for a long time.

Postmodernism and Modern Architecture (Late 20th – Early 21st Century)

Portland played a key role in the history of world architecture thanks to one of the earliest and most iconic buildings in the Postmodern style. The Portland Building, designed by Michael Graves and completed in 1982, was a bold break from austere modernism. Its use of colour, ornament, and symbolic forms caused much debate, but eventually, the building was listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Since the end of the 20th century, the city has become a pioneer in "green" construction and sustainable development. Modern projects, such as the renovation of the Portland Building itself and new residential complexes, often include eco-friendly materials, energy-efficient technologies, and harmonious integration with the natural landscape, confirming Portland's reputation as one of the most environmentally conscious cities in the country.

Distinguished Figures of Portland

Portland, the largest city in Oregon, has been the birthplace or creative home for many iconic figures in the worlds of art, literature, and public life. These individuals not only achieved worldwide recognition but also left a noticeable mark on the culture of their city.

• Matt Groening — Animator and creator of the cult animated series "The Simpsons" and "Futurama". Born in Portland in 1954. Many names of characters and places in "The Simpsons" directly reference streets and locations in his hometown, immortalizing Portland in global pop culture.
• Chuck Palahniuk — Writer, author of the famous novel "Fight Club". Although Palahniuk was born in Washington state, he lived and worked in Portland for a long time, graduating from the University of Oregon. The city became not only his home but also the setting, as well as the main character, of his guidebook "Fugitives and Refugees".
• Gus Van Sant — Film director, screenwriter, and producer, an iconic figure in independent American cinema. He grew up in Portland and filmed many of his famous movies here, including "Drugstore Cowboy" and "My Own Private Idaho". The director remained loyal to the city, making it an important part of his work.
• Beverly Cleary — Famous children's author of over 30 books. She moved to Portland as a child, and it is here that the adventures of her most famous characters — Henry Huggins and the sisters Ramona and Beezus Quimby — unfold. The city even has a sculpture garden dedicated to her characters.
• Francis Pettygrove — One of the city's founders. It was he who won the dispute in 1845 by tossing a coin, insisting on naming the new settlement Portland after his hometown in the state of Maine. This historical figure defined the name and, perhaps, the future destiny of the city.
• Linus Pauling — Outstanding scientist, two-time Nobel Prize laureate (Chemistry and Peace Prize). He was born in Portland and is one of the most significant scientists of the 20th century. His contribution to science and active anti-war stance made him a world-renowned figure.
• Ursula K. Le Guin — Cult writer, author of numerous science fiction and fantasy novels. Although born in California, she lived most of her life in Portland, where she created her major works. Her creativity has had a tremendous influence on world literature.