The Neal Dow House is a national historic landmark in Portland, Maine. This late Federal style mansion was constructed in 1829. The term “Federal” refers to a time in American history when the federal government was forming. Today, it’s a nationally significant historic landmark with ties to American history and the Temperance and Abolitionist movements. While this historic building is owned by the Maine Woman’s Christian Temperance Union, the WCTU does not have the funds necessary to meet its ongoing operating costs or capital needs. It is located at 714 Congress St, Portland, ME 04102.
The house was built for the famous politician and prohibitionist Neal Dow. In fact, the house is still used as a meeting venue for the Maine Women’s Christian Temperance Union, which is a part of the organization. While this Portland museum honors this important part of Maine history, the place also has a special place in the history of the state.
The Neal Dow House is a wonderful place to celebrate the lives of local Maine people. The mansion’s history is rich in meaning. Neal Dow was an active member of the Abolitionist movement and even raised the Thirteenth Maine Regiment for Civil War service. As a result, he was promoted to brigadier general and spent nine months in Libby Prison. The museum also has a unique collection of Civil War memorabilia, including a large number of photographs.
The Neal Dow House is a national historic landmark and the headquarters of the Maine Woman’s Christian Temperance Union. It is open to the public on weekdays between 10:00 and 5:00, but meeting rooms are only open to members by appointment. Built in 1829, the building was an active center of political activity. Dow was a zealous reformer and traveled the world to promote the cause of temperance.
Neal Dow continued his temperance work while serving as mayor of Portland. His temperance crusade resulted in the passing of the Maine Liquor Law in 1851. The Maine Liquor Law remains the first temperance law, and twelve other states prohibited the sale of alcohol after this. Then in 1855, the Portland Rum Riots took place and killed one man and left seven others wounded. Neal Dow, however, continued his efforts to crack down on the liquor trade. He ended up serving as Brigadier General in the US Army.
Born in Portland, Maine, Neal S. Dow went on to become a prominent tanner and leather manufacturer. His social activism led him to volunteer as a firefighter in his father’s tanning business and became a leader in Portland’s political circles. At the age of 23, he became a member of the Maine Temperance Union and led the splinter group that favored total abstinence.
