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Portsmouth, NH

Frequently asked questions

Portsmouth, NH

Portsmouth is a city in Rockingham County, New Hampshire, United States. At the 2020 census it had a population of 21,956. A historic seaport and popular summer tourist destination on the Piscataqua River bordering the state of Maine, Portsmouth was formerly the home of the Strategic Air Command's Pease Air Force Base, since converted to Portsmouth International Airport at Pease.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 16.8 square miles (43.6 km²), of which 15.7 square miles (40.6 km²) are land and 1.2 square miles (3.0 km²), or 6.92%, are water. Portsmouth is drained by Berrys Brook, Sagamore Creek and the Piscataqua River, which is the boundary between New Hampshire and Maine. The highest point in the city is 110 feet (34 m) above sea level, within Pease International Airport.

American Indians of the Abenaki and other Algonquian languages-speaking nations, and their predecessors, inhabited the territory of coastal New Hampshire for thousands of years before European contact.

The first known European to explore and write about the area was Martin Pring in 1603. The Piscataqua River is a tidal estuary with a swift current, but forms a good natural harbor. The west bank of the harbor was settled by European colonists in 1630 and named Strawbery Banke, after the many wild strawberries growing there. The village was protected by Fort William and Mary on what is now New Castle Island. Strategically located for trade between upstream industries and mercantile interests abroad, the port prospered. Fishing, lumber and shipbuilding were principal businesses of the region. Enslaved Africans were imported as laborers as early as 1645 and were integral to building the city's prosperity. Portsmouth was part of the Triangle Trade, which made significant profits from slavery.

At the town's incorporation in 1653, it was named "Portsmouth" in honor of the colony's founder, John Mason. He had been captain of the English port of Portsmouth, Hampshire, after which New Hampshire is named.

When Queen Anne's War ended in 1712, Governor Joseph Dudley selected the town to host negotiations for the 1713 Treaty of Portsmouth, which temporarily ended hostilities between the Abenaki Indians and the colonies of Massachusetts Bay and New Hampshire.

In 1774, in the lead-up to the Revolution, Paul Revere rode to Portsmouth warning that the British Royal Navy was coming to capture the port. Although Fort William and Mary protected the harbor, the Patriot government moved the capital inland to Exeter, which ensured that it would be under no threat from the Royal Navy, which bombarded Falmouth (now Portland, Maine) instead on October 18, 1775. Portsmouth was the destination for several of Beaumarchais's ships containing materiel, such as artillery, tents, and gunpowder, to help the American revolutionary effort. African Americans helped defend Portsmouth and New England during the war. In 1779, 19 enslaved African Americans from Portsmouth wrote a petition to the state legislature and asked that it abolish slavery, in recognition of their war contributions and in keeping with the principles of the Revolution. The legislature tabled their petition. New Hampshire abolished slavery in 1857, by which time the institution was effectively extinct in the state.

Health and wellness are paramount in Portsmouth, with the city offering various amenities and services to support the well-being of its residents. The Portsmouth Regional Hospital stands as a cornerstone in providing comprehensive healthcare services to the community. Explore the parks, facilities, and programs the Portsmouth Parks and Recreation Department offers. These spaces provide opportunities for outdoor activities such as walking, jogging, sports, and picnicking. Join local fitness centers and gyms to participate in exercise programs, fitness classes, and strength training. Some popular options include Portsmouth Athletic Club, MISSION Portsmouth and High Definition Fitness. Discover the walking and biking trails in and around Portsmouth, such as the Urban Forestry and Little Harbor Loop Trail. These trails offer opportunities for outdoor exercise and enjoyment of nature.

Top sites in Portsmouth, NH include Strawbery Banke Museum, USS Albacore Museum, and Prescott Park.

Population: 22,713 (2022). Elevation: 25 ft (8 m). Area: 16.82 sq mi (43.57 km²). ZIP Codes: 03801. Area code(s): 603.

FAQs

Is Portsmouth, NH worth visiting?

Absolutely! The New Hampshire town is picturesque, steeped in history, and a perfect New England getaway all year round. With it being right on the coast, Portsmouth has spectacular views and food. Although, many of the attractions are historical sights and museums celebrating the iconic city.

Is Portsmouth, NH a walkable city?

Portsmouth, New Hampshire is one of america’s most walkable towns, and there are delights around every corner. Portsmouth, New Hampshire, is celebrated for its walkability, scenic beauty, and rich history. Any time of year you'll see residents walking to and from work, another factor in naming it the most walkable city in the state.

What is the crime rate in Portsmouth, NH?

The crime rate in Portsmouth is considerably higher than the national average across all communities in America from the largest to the smallest, although at 14 crimes per one thousand residents, it is not among the communities with the very highest crime rate. The chance of becoming a victim of either violent or property crime in Portsmouth is 1 in 71. Based on FBI crime data, Portsmouth is not one of the safest communities in America. Relative to New Hampshire, Portsmouth has a crime rate that is higher than 83% of the state's cities and towns of all sizes.

Sources

Wikipedia

City of Portsmouth

Portsmouth Regional Hospital 

Portsmouth Parks and Recreation Department 

Portsmouth Athletic Club

MISSION Portsmouth 

High Definition Fitness

Urban Forestry 

Little Harbor Loop Trail

Strawbery Banke Museum 

USS Albacore Museum

Prescott Park

The Travel

Only in Your State

Neighborhoodscout

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