A keen eyed undercover Portland (Oregon) local was on the other side of the country in Maine when they saw this banner. Although 2500 miles apart, the banner is comparing the two cities as a tongue in cheek advertisement.

The brightly colored sign says “We were here first Oregon” – which is fair enough. European settlers populated the east coast a long time before anyone got here, so point taken. Of course, this is not the original Portland either, as the first is in England on the southern coast of Dorset. Ironically, this does not have a seaport for container ships, but it does have a castle, so is clearly the winner here.

Portland, Maine is also considerably smaller than Portland Oregon, with only 68000 people calling it home. As a direct comparison, the suburb of Hillsboro has over 100000 residents.

However, the banner goes on to say “you’re not even a port” – which is untrue. Whoever made this banner had failed to realise that Portland does indeed have a port, it’s just more inland than a typical seaport. Anyone who’s taken a short walk north of the city will have seen just how industrial this port is – you can’t miss it! As the 36th largest port in the country, it’s certainly not the biggest, but Portland, Maine is not anywhere near the top 50.

The above meme was since referenced to show that Portland, Maine is a pretty insignificant place and nobody had really given it much thought until the call-out.

PDX locals have compared this to the port of Houston which is the second busiest port in the USA in terms of overall tonnage, and like Portland is many miles away from the sea.

Some internet users have speculated that this banner was not thought through on purpose and was bait to make Portland, Oregon respond (if it was, it has worked). Thus making Maine more of a talking point and increasing tourism to the area. Others think it was designed by a young intern who had no idea what they were doing – what do you think?