Congress was laid out and originally known as Back Street and later Queen Street. Congress Street is the main commercial and transportation street in Portland, Maine. It runs east-west across the peninsula and connects the Old Port to the west end of town. The street is known for its architecture and public spaces, especially the section between Franklin Arterial and Bramhall Square. Congress Street was originally called Back Street and was one of the first roads built after the settlement of Portland Harbor. It was originally used by farmers to bring their goods to market. The street was named Congress Street in 1823. Some of Portland's most historically significant buildings are located on Congress Street. These include the First Parish Meeting House, built in 1740, and the hay scales at Market Square, renamed Monument Square in 1892. The Maine College of Art (Meca) is also located on Congress Street. Congress Street is a walkable street. The most walkable neighborhoods in Portland are East Bayside, West Bayside, and Downtown.

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