1859Culture
Born in Hallettsville, Texas, in 1859, Willacy promoted agricultural and coastal development projects in the area.
1890Government
Portland was established in 1890 as a port and agricultural community by land developer John G.
1891Infrastructure
He arranged for steamboats and railroad lines to bring people in from the surrounding area for a large land sale sponsored in July 1891, which attracted hundreds of prospective ...
1893History
The economic optimism was short-lived, however, as the Panic of 1893, a national financial catastrophe, put a stop to land sales and frightened some settlers away.
1911History
Willacy also helped establish Willacy County, which was named for him upon its establishment in 1911.
1916Disaster
Hurricanes in 1916 and 1919 added to the toll on Portland, and the population would remain stagnant for several decades.
1939History
Don Williams (1939–2017), was a country singer and songwriter.
1942Economy
A pivotal moment occurred in the 1950s with the establishment of the Reynolds Metals Company aluminium plant in 1942.
1949Government
Portland was officially incorporated in 1949.
1952History
Webb, Walter Prescott; Branda, Eldon Stephen (1952).
1958Education
Williams moved to Portland as a child from the Texas Panhandle/South Plains town of Floydada and was a 1958 graduate of Gregory-Portland High School.
1981Economy
The plant later closed in 1981, where it employed over 850 people at the height of the factory's career.
2000History
=== 2000 census ===
As of the census of 2000, 14,827 people, 5,021 households, and 4,051 families were residing in the city.
2022Culture
According to Portland's annual comprehensive financial report of 2022, Portland's created a revenue of a little under $6,000,000 through cultural and recreation activity.
2023Infrastructure
== Economy ==
In 2023, 9.61k people were employed by Portland, Texas.
2024Government
As of September 30, 2024, the mayor is Cathy Skurow, the city manager is Randy Wright, and the six council members are John G.
2025Infrastructure
The City of Portland has conducted more ongoing estimates that currently put the population at about 20,956 (as of 2025), a continued growth trend in the area.