Neal Dow House, Portland

The Neal Dow House is a significant historic landmark built in 1829 in the late Federal style. This brick mansion was the home of Neal Dow, a prominent politician and leading figure in the temperance movement, best known for authoring Maine’s groundbreaking prohibition law in 1851, often referred to as the “Maine Law.”

Dow’s house was not only his residence but also a hub for activism during his lifetime. Today, it serves as the headquarters for the Maine chapter of the Women’s Christian Temperance Union and stands as a testament to his enduring legacy.

The Neal Dow House rests on a sturdy stone and concrete foundation and is topped with a stepped gable roof. Its front entrance includes a Victorian-style double door set back under a portico added after the original construction. The property is also notable for its ornamental ironwork, which is among the oldest original fencing still standing in Portland.

Inside, the rooms have been preserved with furnishings spanning various periods, including portraits, fine paintings, and memorabilia from Dow’s military and political career. Of special note is Dow’s library, which remains intact and reflects his passion for literature and writing across a wide range of subjects.