The Fenian movement, which garnered financial support from Irish-Americans for an independent Ireland, expanded ties to the Irish motherland.
This secure psychological connection with Ireland helped to form strong bonds across class lines within the Irish-American community and aided in raising the fortunes of the community as a whole.
In the late 1860s, Portland had two "circles" of the Fenians, each led by a "centre." The Fenians planned to help the Irish cause by invading British-owned Canada, and there was much conflict in Eastport, but nothing really ever came of it.
