[2] In 2008, it was named one of the ten best streets in the United States by the American Planning Association.

[3] Built upon old piers in the 1850s, fill was pushed into Casco Bay to accommodate the growing Portland Terminal Company railroad and warehousing needs of the port's working waterfront.

By the time of Commercial Street's completion in 1853, four of today's remaining wharves (Chandler's, Union, Merrill's and Berlin Mills) had built tracks to Commercial Street to improve trade opportunities.

[7] Three wharves (Richardson's, Brown's and Smith's) were demolished with the creation of the City of Portland Fish Pier at the foot of Center Street.

[8] From north to south, with the aligning street(s) noted where applicable:[9] Wharves and piers that existed in the mid-19th century but have since been demolished include:[14]