History of the Niles Family & Neighborhood

Frederick Douglas escapes enslavement

Frederick Douglas successfully escapes enslavement.

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Newbury Street the Nexus of Black Power in Portland in 1840

The Niles House was built by Abraham Walker Niles and Harriet C. (Lewis) Niles. The house is the oldest house, still standing, constructed by a Black family in Portland. The neighborhood was a thriving nexus of Black power and activism in the City of Portland in the 1840’s and beyond. Abraham and Harriet were active members of their community.

Here you can view primary source documents on the Niles family and learn more about their community.

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