The rich historical heritage of Portland, Louisville’s oldest neighborhood, makes it a one-of-a-kind site. Dating back to the city’s origin in 1811, Portland has played a key role in the development of Louisville and the United States.
Unlike any other Louisville community, so many historical treasures exist that the National Register of Historic Places listed the entire Portland Historic District. In 2006, First Lady Laura Bush declared Portland a Preserve America Community Neighborhood for its exclusive role in promoting river commerce. The first ever successful improvement to a major river, the Louisville and Portland Canal, made it possible for boats to pass through without stopping due to the Falls of the Ohio.
Once an independent city, Portland is currently a neighborhood annexed to Louisville. It is situated only 2 miles northwest of downtown amenities. The neighborhood boundaries go north to the scenic Ohio River and south to Market Street.
Portland’s exclusive legacy includes the only surviving United States Marine Hospital. It is the best remaining antebellum era hospital. A large number of original pre-Civil War buildings still stand on Rudd Avenue. Portland’s oldest house built in 1812 still exists. The Squire Earick House remained a private home until 2004. The Portland Museum currently owns the house.
The famous naturalist, John James Audubon, created some of his famous bird paintings in Portland on the grounds of the house. The very first female riverboat pilot and the man responsible for the National Weather Service once lived in Portland.
The oldest part of Portland, the Portland Wharf Park, features original sidewalks, foundations and many archaeological artifacts. Other huge restoration and renovation projects are underway and near completion. In addition to a glorious historical legacy, Portland is poised to become an up-and-coming neighborhood near downtown. With many century-old buildings, historical mansions, shotgun houses and high-rise apartments, the neighborhood offers some of the most affordable housing in Louisville.
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