
The first European-Americans came to the Portland area in the 1650's, the first being James Stanclift, an English stonecutter. They were drawn by the availability of brownstone, a valuable resource for construction and for gravestones. The close proximity of the river to these brownstone quarries made the transportation of cut stone affordable. This resulted in a number of flourishing family businesses, that eventually consolidated into three major partnerships.The quarries remain as a scenic natural resource, reminiscent of Portland's past. Ship-building has been replaced by marinas. Geological mining sites are now preserved within a beautifully sculpted 18 hole golf course.