The Eastern Steamboat Company operated the steamship S.S. Cumberland, which sailed in Portland Harbor in 1887. The Cumberland made trips between Boston, Portland, and St. John, Nova Scotia, and docked at Eastport. Built of oak in Bath, in 1855, the Cumberland was a side-wheel steamer, with two smokestacks, two masts, and three decks. The ship was 252 feet long, with a tonnage of 1605, the ship’s engines boasted 1000 horsepower. It was designed for a crew of fifty.

This photograph was included in an album compiled by Portland civil engineer William S. Edwards. Beneath the image has been written, “Steamer Cumberland. Sept 5, 1887.”