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with many special events, including gar-
den and holiday tours.
WADSWORTH-
LONGFELLOW HOUSE
Within the walls of theWadsworth-
LongfellowHouse lived three genera-
tions of one remarkable family that made
significant contributions to the political,
literary, and cultural life of the United
States. America’s beloved 19th century
poet, HenryWadsworth Longfellow
(1807–1882), grew up in the house and
went on to become one of the most
famous men of his time.
Built in 1785-86 by Henry’s grandfather
after Portland had been razed by fire, the
LongfellowHouse was the first wholly
brick building in the city and is the
oldest standing structure on the Portland
peninsula. The last person to live in the
home was Henry’s younger sister, Anne
Longfellow Pierce, who deeded the house
to the Maine Historical Society. Virtually
all of the household items and artifacts
are original to theWadsworth and Long-
fellow families and illustrate changes in
style, and technology over the 18th and
19th centuries. The National Historic
Landmark is openMay through October.
NEAL DOW HOUSE
Built in 1829 for noted politician and
prohibitionist Neal Dow (1804-1897), the
late Federal-style house was given upon
his death to the local Women’s Christian
Temperance Union which still uses it as
their headquarters. Approximately 98%
of the home is in its original state.
When serving as mayor of Portland,
Dow authored the first prohibition law,
passed by the Maine legislature in 1851;
such laws in other states became known
at “Maine laws”. Dow was a tireless,
internationally-known activist in the
Temperance and Abolition reform
movements of the 1800s, as well as a
Civil War general. Although designated
as a National Historic Landmark in 1973,
the house has been largely unknown to
the public, a hidden gem presenting the
life and social contributions of an impor-
tant figure of 19th century Portland.