Boothby Square
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 The square in 2023, looking southwest from the Silver Street intersection | |
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| Maintained by | City of Portland |
|---|---|
| Location | Portland, Maine, U.S. |
| Coordinates | 43°39′25″N 70°15′07″W / 43.65701°N 70.251887°W |
Boothby Square is a public square in Portland, Maine, United States. Located on the last remaining cobblestoned section of Fore Street, it is named for Frederic E. Boothby, a former mayor of Portland.[1] A water trough in the square is dedicated to Boothby's philanthropic wife, Adelaide.[2]
Now open, but surrounded by sections of granite blocks, the square was formerly enclosed by iron railings.[3] The street is bisected by Silver Street.
The Boothby Square Watering Trough was installed in 1902 to supply water for horses and dogs and a peaceful respite for people. Its installation was part of the City Beautiful movement. In 1946 it was struck by a car and knocked off its base. The crash broke the ornate top section. Shortly afterward, the trough was removed and put in storage. It was purchased by an antiques dealer in 1983. Donors raised $50,000 to buy back the trough and reinstall it.[4]
