Custom House Wharf
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
 Custom House Wharf (left) and Portland Pier | |
| Location | Commercial Street, Portland, Maine, U.S. |
|---|---|
Custom House Wharf is a historic wharf in Portland, Maine, on the edge of the Fore River at the intersection of Pearl Street and Commercial Street. The wharf covers 1.5 acres, has more than 100,000 square feet of commercial space and 3,700 feet of dock space.[1] Named for Portland's United States Custom House, which stands across Commercial Street from the wharf, on Fore Street, the wharf is located between Maine Wharf (to the north) and Portland Pier (to the south).[2][3][4][5]
The wharf was built prior to 1807 by the McGowan family. The family owned the wharf for more than 200 years before selling it in 2021.[1] In 1880, Maine's first-known Chinese restaurant was opened by Ar Tee Lam at 1 Custom House Wharf.[6] In the late 19th century into the 20th century, the Casco Bay Lines ferry lines docked at Custom House Wharf.[7]
Today's businesses that exist on the wharf include Harbor Fish Market (on its southern side), Boone's Fish House & Oyster Room (northern side),[8] and The Porthole pub, which was established in 1929.[9]
Flooding
The wharf is regularly affected by coastal flooding. During a 2024 flood, Harbor Fish Market had two feet of water inside the store and stayed open as customers waded in.[10]
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