Monument Square Park is a Town Square in Portland Maine located at 456 Congress Street. The Portland Soldiers and Sailors Monument is in the center of Monument Square. The statue was dedicated on October 28, 1891 and honors the soldiers in the Army and Sailors in the Navy who died in the late Civil War. The sculpture is known as “Our Lady Of Victories”.
The bronze sculpture was created by Maine sculptor, Franklin Simmons who also created the Henry Wadsworth Longfellow Sculpture in Portland. The granite base was designed by New York City architect, Richard Morris Hunt. Inscribed on the base of the monument is “Portland To Her Sons Who Died For The Union”.
Along Congress Street, there are other town squares named Bramhall, Congress and Longfellow. Many events take place in the squares throughout the year. Two of the most fun events are Pianos In The Square and the Monument Square Tree Lighting.
Pianos In The Square
Painted pianos start to show up around Portland in July. They appear in Monument, Congress, Bramhall and Longfellow Squares and passersby can stop and play a tune. Scheduled entertainers also appear throughout the month. 2019 was the second year for the event and I hope it will become an annual tradition. The festive vibe really brings people together and everyone enjoys the music. It is magical! Local businesses take the pianos in at night and bring them out each morning. Strolling from square to square listening to the music is a wonderful way to spend the day.
Monument Square Tree Lighting
The Monument Square Tree Lighting is a traditional downtown favorite that occurs right after Thanksgiving. The event includes entertainment and food to celebrate the official beginning of the holiday season. You can watch an ice carving demo and enjoy a horse and wagon ride. Drink some egg nog and try the marshmallows, donuts and maple taffy. Portland Maine is a beautiful city with outdoor and indoor events to enjoy in Spring, Summer, Winter and Fall.