Humanitarian· Civil Aid and Humanitarian Operations
Portland, Maine Great Fire response
A major urban disaster that brought the Marines ashore for relief and order.
On the night of 4 July 1866 a fire broke out in Portland and swept through the city, destroying a large part of it and leaving thousands homeless. As often happened after such catastrophes, lawless persons from other cities gathered in the ruined town anticipating a chance to plunder, and the authorities called for military aid. A telegram brought a prompt response: as many Marines as could be spared were sent, arriving in Portland early in the afternoon, and order was soon established. The Marines remained on duty guarding the stricken city against looting and disorder until 11 November before being withdrawn. No casualties were suffered. The deployment was a characteristic example of the mid-century Marine role in major urban disasters, a disciplined force on call to protect property and keep the peace when a city's own resources were overwhelmed.
Record no. 478