Bramhall Hill
Bramhall Hillis a hill in the west and southwest of the downtownpeninsulaofPortland, Maine.At its summit, the hill stands 171 feet (52 m) feet above sea level, with a sharp drop below. The area includes theWest Endneighborhood, theWestern Promenadeand part of theOld Portdowntown district.
Bramhall Hill commands an extensive view west and north-west of the bay, the mainland and theWhite Mountains,around 80 miles (130 kilometres) away. The finest residence district is on Bramhall Hill. The area was originally the property of George Bramhall,[1]who built theBramhall mansion.
George Bramhall moved to Portland in 1680 and bought a plot of 400 acres (160 ha) of land from George Cleeves. Bramhall was killed during theFrench and Indian Warsin the late 17th century. He was a tanner by profession and set up a tannery in the area.[2]
In 1870, a 20-inch main brought water fromSebago Laketo a 12-million-US-gallon (45,000 m3) reservoir on Bramhall Hill. This supplied most of the city's drinking water.[3]
The first capital conviction in the United States Courts after the adoption of the Constitution occurred on Bramhall Hill in 1790. Thomas Bird was convicted of piracy and murder. After a prompt refusal for pardon by PresidentGeorge Washington,Bird was executed.[4][5]
References[edit]
- ^1911 Encyclopedia
- ^Society, Maine Historical (1865).Collections of the Maine Historical Society. Volume One.pp.241–.Retrieved31 October2014.
- ^Parker, Gail Underwood (2004).It Happened in Maine.Globe Pequot Press. pp. 60–.ISBN9780762727339.Retrieved31 October2014.
- ^Project, Federal Writers'.Maine - A Guide 'Down East'.US History Publishers. pp. 173–.ISBN9781603540186.Retrieved31 October2014.
- ^Genesio, Jerry (July 25, 2010)."Author Q&A:Hanging judgment".Portland Press Herald.Retrieved31 October2014.
External links[edit]
- The glacial gravels of Maine and their associated deposits By George Hapgood StonePage 232, 1899
- Plan of land on Bramhall Hill by Peleg WadsworthMaineMemory.net
- Reservoir on Bramhall's Hill, PortlandMaineMemory.net
