Monument Square

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Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Monument Square is a historic public space located in downtown Portland, Maine.


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Summary

It is a popular destination for locals and tourists alike, offering a range of attractions and activities throughout the year.

One of the main reasons to visit Monument Square is its historical significance. The square was established in 1825 and has played a central role in the city's political and social life ever since. It is home to several important monuments, including a statue of Civil War general Henry Wadsworth Longfellow and the Maine Korean War Memorial.

Other points of interest in the area include the Portland Museum of Art, the Portland Observatory, and the Eastern Promenade, all of which are within walking distance of the square. Visitors can also enjoy a range of dining and shopping options in the surrounding area.

One interesting fact about Monument Square is that it was originally called Portland Square, but was renamed in honor of the soldiers and sailors who fought in the Civil War. Another interesting fact is that the square was once home to a market where slaves were bought and sold.

The best time of year to visit Monument Square depends on personal preferences, but many people enjoy visiting during the summer months when the weather is warm and a range of outdoor events take place in the area. The fall is also a popular time to visit, as the foliage in the surrounding area is especially beautiful during this time.

       

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Park & Land Designation Reference

National Park
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
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