It runs for around 0.56 miles (0.90 km), from Monument Square, in the southwest to Mountfort Street, at the foot of Munjoy Hill, in the northeast.

Upon its completion in 2023, The Casco, at 201 Federal Street, became the tallest residential building in Maine, at 204.5 feet (62.3 m), surpassing Franklin Towers.

[2] It is the third-tallest building in the state overall, behind the Agora Grand Event Center in Lewiston.

The following major streets intersect with Federal Street (from southwest to northeast): Northeast to southwest: The 1866 fire of Portland resulted in the loss of the Quaker Meeting House (built in 1796) and First Baptist Church (built in 1811).

[13] The previous construction at 201–205 Federal Street was owned by F. S. Waldron Realty Company.