Longfellow Square, named after the renowned Portland poet Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, is one of the three primary squares situated along Congress Street. The square features the Henry Wadsworth Longfellow Monument, a bronze statue depicting the poet seated, reflective of his later years. This statue rests atop a granite pedestal, designed by Francis H. Fassett.
The creation of the monument, one of Franklin Simmons’ significant commissions, began in 1885, three years following Longfellow’s death, and was unveiled to the public on September 29, 1888. In April 1990, the monument earned a spot on the National Register of Historic Places.
Additionally, the throwback photo shows that State Street, now reconfigured, once supported two-way traffic.
