2) The site has been occupied by Central School, Portland’s first public school. The school moved in 1883 and the Portland Hotel was next to occupy the block.
3) In 1974, the citizens of Portland helped to raise funds for their city's "living room." Friends of the Square asked people to buy personal bricks etched with the "owner's" name.
4) You can still buy a brick in the square. The cost per brick is $100. This includes an inscription. Learn more about buying a brick.
5) The night after Thanksgiving, Portlanders gather at the Pioneer Courthouse Square to witness the lighting a 70-foot tree. It’s the official start of the holiday season.
6) The square is smoke-free as of January 1, 2007.
7) There’s a public restroom in the square. It’s open 8:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m., Monday – Saturday and is closed Sunday.
8) The bronze “umbrella man” statue was created by nationally known artist J. Seward Johnson.
9) There’s an echo chamber in the square. Try standing on the round marble stone in the center, face the steps and say a few words. Your ears will be thrilled!
10) The square hosts free concerts during the summer. The NoonTunes concert series happens Tuesdays and Thursdays at Noon. Shows start July 10th and run through August 30th.
