An artistic rendering of Portland mayors through 1876 from Edward Elwell's "Portland and Vicinity: with a Sketch of Old Orchard Beach and other Maine Resorts" first published in 1881 by Loring, Short and Harmon. This mayoral list stops with Francis Fessenden, who served for one term during 1876 and 1877.

The first mayor, Andrew L. Emerson, died in office and was replaced by Jonathan Dow. John Anderson served twice, once in 1833 and again in 1842. Neal Dow also served two non-sequential terms in 1851-52 and again in 1855-56, as did James Calhoon serving in 1849-50 and 1853-54. Each is only pictured once, despite serving more than one non-consecutive term.

Prior to 1832, the City of Portland was designated a town, and therefore didnot elect or appoint a mayor.