South Portland

South Portland is a city in Cumberland County, Maine, United States, and is the fourth-largest city in the state. Known for its working waterfront, South Portland is situated on Portland Harbor and overlooks the skyline of Portland and the islands of Casco Bay. Due to South Portland's close proximity to air, marine, and highway transportation options, the city has become a center for retail and industry in the region. Despite the similar name, South Portland is not part of the city of Portland. South Portland is a principal city of the Portland South Portland Biddeford metropolitan area. South Portland was first settled in 1630, and it grew to become a small residential community with many farms. In 1858, the City of Portland purchased land near the Fore River for the Forest City Cemetery. On March 15, 1895, it was incorporated as a town after it broke away from Cape Elizabeth, based on a disagreement on a future source of public drinking water. Three years later South Portland became a city, destined to receive its drinking water, like Portland, from Sebago Lake, while Cape Elizabeth used Wells or other local sources.