History

Portland’s story begins thousands of years ago with the Wangunk people, who settled along the sweeping bend of the Connecticut River “Wangunk” meaning “big bend.” Living off the land and river for more than 8,000 years, they established deep roots in what would become the Town of Portland. The first European settlers arrived in the 1650s, led by English stonecutter James Stanclift, who was drawn to the area’s rich deposits of brownstone. This unique reddish sandstone would come to define Portland’s identity for generations.

By the 1800s, Portland had become world-renowned for its brownstone quarries. The town supplied stone for buildings across the United States and even abroad, employing more than 1,500 workers at its height. Ships carried Portland’s brownstone to major cities like New York, Boston, and San Francisco. The quarry industry attracted waves of immigrants, Irish, Swedish, and Italian, whose labor and traditions shaped the town’s vibrant character. Surrounding industries such as shipbuilding, farming, and blacksmithing flourished, transforming Portland into a bustling and prosperous community.

As the demand for brownstone declined in the early 20th century and floods filled the quarries, Portland evolved from an industrial hub to a welcoming residential town focused on community and quality of life. Today, the historic quarries remain a scenic reminder of Portland’s industrious past, while marinas, parks, and recreational spaces highlight the town’s connection to its riverfront heritage. Originally part of East Middletown and later known as Chatham, Portland officially took its name from the English town of Dorset’s Portland, celebrating a shared legacy of stone and craftsmanship that continues to shape its identity today.