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This lithograph, sketched by J.E. Baker and produced by J.H. Bufford’s Lithography in Boston, presents a haunting view of the aftermath of the Great Fire that devastated Portland, Maine, on July 4th and 5th, 1866. The scene, captured from the corner of Middle and Free Streets, reveals a landscape marked by destruction, with skeletal remains of buildings, lone standing chimneys, and collapsed structures stretching across the foreground. Smoke drifts ominously in the background, emphasizing the fire’s recent impact and the scope of the devastation.

Baker’s detailed sketch, translated into lithograph by Bufford’s studio, effectively contrasts the ruined heart of Portland with the untouched hills and surviving outskirts in the distance. Published jointly by Bufford Brothers and S.B. Beckett of Portland, this print serves as a sobering visual record of the fire’s impact, offering viewers both a historical account and a tribute to the city’s resilience in the face of profound loss.

The Great Portland Fire of 1866

The Great Fire of Portland, Maine, on July 4th and 5th, 1866, was one of the most devastating urban fires in American history at that time. The fire broke out on Independence Day, a day of celebration that ironically contributed to the disaster; fireworks and bonfires, combined with unusually dry summer conditions, created a perfect storm for a catastrophic blaze. Sparked near the corner of Commercial and High Streets, the fire rapidly spread across the city, fueled by wooden buildings, hot weather, and strong winds.

By the time the fire was finally contained, it had destroyed 1,800 buildings, leaving around 10,000 people homeless—a significant portion of Portland's population of approximately 27,000 at the time. The flames consumed banks, churches, schools, and businesses, obliterating much of Portland’s commercial and residential core. The fire’s scale and rapid spread devastated the city’s infrastructure and economy, and the area depicted in the lithograph—centered on Middle and Free Streets—was among the hardest hit.

The aftermath of the Great Fire catalyzed Portland’s reconstruction efforts, leading to stricter building codes and the eventual replacement of wooden structures with brick and stone. This rebuilding transformed the architectural landscape of Portland, giving rise to a sturdier and more fire-resistant cityscape that persists today.