Portland

The earliest known settler in the Portland community was Jesse Green London (1843-1875). A native of Missouri and a Confederate veteran who brought his family here in 1873. Other early settlers included members of the Tefteller, Cline, Bell, Henderson, Goin, and Biggerstaff families. The small farming community boasted several business establishments, including a blacksmith shop and a wood shop by the late 1880s.The six-grade Portland School opened in 1879 and met in a one-room log building until the school district was consolidated with two other area schools in 1898. The grocery store served as a residence and post office as well. Founded at the end of the 19th century, the Portland Congregational Methodist Church worshiped in the old log schoolhouse until 1909 when a sanctuary was built at this site. The opportunity for Portland to grow and prosper was denied when the rail line was laid south of the settlement. Although a few homes and this church building are all that remain of the community, the settlers left a rich heritage for their descendants, many of whom still live in the area.

Portland is a historical marker in Portland, Fannin County, dedicated in 1984. It is one of 109 historical markers documented in Fannin County in the Texas Historical Commission Atlas, among 262 historic sites cataloged across the county.

The site sits at 33.4454, -96.1468 near Portland. The nearest cataloged historic site is Ashley Lodge No. 681, A. F. & A. M. (historical marker), about 1.4 miles away. Others within a short drive include First Baptist Church of Bailey, Philadelphia, and Biggers, James Fowler.

This record corresponds to Texas Historical Commission Atlas #5147008918. Use the map below for its exact position and turn-by-turn directions.