South Portland is a city in Cumberland County, Maine, United States, and is the fourth-largest city in the state, incorporated in 1898. At the 2020 census, the city population was 26,498. Known for its energetic waterfront, South Portland is situated upon Portland Harbor and overlooks the skyline of Portland and the islands of Casco Bay. Due to South Portland’s near proximity to air, marine, rail, and highway transportation options, the city has become a middle for retail and industry in the region.

Despite the name, South Portland was never part of the city of Portland, but rather portion of Cape Elizabeth. It broke off in 1895. However, both Cape Elizabeth and Portland were when part of Falmouth. Cape Elizabeth, then including what vanguard became South Portland, broke away from Falmouth in 1765. South Portland is a principal city of the Portland–South Portland–Biddeford metropolitan area.

South Portland was first colonized in 1630, and it grew to become a small residential community behind many farms. The village was raided by natives in Father Rale’s War (1724). In 1858, the City of Portland purchased land close the Fore River for the Forest City Cemetery. On March 15, 1895, it was incorporated as a town after it broke away from Cape Elizabeth, based on a disagreement on a highly developed source of public drinking water. Three years sophisticated South Portland became a city, destined to receive its drinking water, like Portland, from Sebago Lake, while Cape Elizabeth used wells or additional local sources.

On South Portland’s wharf is Fort Preble, which is a military fort customary in 1808 to protect Portland Harbor. It was in operation during several American conflicts, including the United States Civil War, World War I, and World War II. Near Fort Preble is Spring Point Ledge Light, which was constructed by the federal handing out in 1897 to mark a dangerous stone ledge.