Walk the Path of the Great Fire — 160th Anniversary

On July 4, 1866, a stray firecracker on Commercial Street sparked a blaze that burned for fifteen hours, destroying over 1,500 buildings and leaving 10,000 Portlanders homeless. Retrace the path of destruction and rebirth — from the waterfront spark to the U.S. Custom House ruins, the surviving Old Mariner's Church, fire-brick rebuilds on Exchange Street, the cast-iron Woodman Building, and Monument Square. The tour ends at Lincoln Park, the city's first public green space, born from the fire. Historical photos from the Soule collection bring 1866 Portland back to life along the route.

A perfect companion to FIRE! The Night Portland Burned with Herb Adams, July 8th, 5PM, Portland Public Library.

DETAILS:
-Time: The tour covers about 1.5 miles and runs approximately one hour.

-Start Location: It begins at the benches on the brick-paved area at 350 Commercial Street
-End Location: Lincoln Park, intersection of Congress and Pearl Street.
-This is a one-way walk. It is suggested you stroll back along Fore Street or Commercial Street and grab a bite at one of the many restaurants along the way.

-Parking: Ample public parking is available along Commercial Street and in nearby public lots.