Incorporated in June 1887 to build a line up to Portland Heights using the then-new cable propulsion system, this company was beset by problems throughout its short existence. Franchises from the common council were obtained, and work was almost completed on the massive trestle running up to the heights from SW 18th and Mill by the end of 1887, and then… nothing. The company struggled to raise capital and find contractors to lay track and cable and build their massive powerhouse, and very little happened until March 1889, when the company – probably out of desperation – decided to just build everything themselves.

The line finally opened for revenue service on February 22, 1890… and the first crash happened on just two days later, with three people injured as a car careened all the way down the hill from Spring Street to Jefferson.

Some extensions were made to the lines over the next couple of years: north up to the railway depot along Fifth (August 1890), and west to the City Park along Jefferson (April 1892), but the company was still losing money. A second major accident and its resulting lawsuits, creditors asking for payment of debts, failure to make mortgage interest payments, and a financial downturn all conspired against the company, and its assets were sold to the Ainsworth National bank (which held a mortgage over the company) on August 31, 1892. The City Cable Company formed the next day to continue operation of the line, though the original bondholders of the Portland Cable Railway Company soon sought to regain control of the company and their investment.

Lawsuits and claims against the Portland Cable Railway Company and its officers continued for a few more years after 1892.

Lines

• City Park (1892–???)
• Portland Heights – Cable (1890–1904)

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