History of Portsmouth, Virginia
Portsmouth, an independent city, is located in the south of the Elizabeth River, on the other side of Norfolk city. It lies within the downtown area of the Hampton Roads. Dating back to 1620, Portsmouth was seen as an ideal shipbuilding site by a shipbuilder named John Wood. The neighboring area soon became the plantation community.
In 1659, the land was granted to Captain William Carver however, he was executed in 1676 during the Bacon's Rebellion. His execution halted the establishment of the tow. Colonel William Crawford established Portsmouth. In 1752, it was inaugurated as a town by the Virginia General Assembly act. During the American Revolution, the British and American occupied the town successively.
The area of Portsmouth and Norfolk were plagued by a yellow fever epidemic in 1855. It killed 1 of every three settlers. In 1858, it gained independence from Norfolk County. At the time of the American Civil War in 1861, Virginia united with the Confederate States of America. The Confederate took over the shipyard led by William Mahone, a civilian railroad builder.
In 1659, the land was granted to Captain William Carver however, he was executed in 1676 during the Bacon's Rebellion. His execution halted the establishment of the tow. Colonel William Crawford established Portsmouth. In 1752, it was inaugurated as a town by the Virginia General Assembly act. During the American Revolution, the British and American occupied the town successively.
The area of Portsmouth and Norfolk were plagued by a yellow fever epidemic in 1855. It killed 1 of every three settlers. In 1858, it gained independence from Norfolk County. At the time of the American Civil War in 1861, Virginia united with the Confederate States of America. The Confederate took over the shipyard led by William Mahone, a civilian railroad builder.
The Confederate ironclad warship CSS Virginia was reconstructed in 1862, utilizing the ruins of the USS Merrimack. USS Monitor took part in the popular battle of Hampton Roads at the time of the Union siege of Hampton Roads. When the Confederates flee in 1862, they once again burned the shipyard.
After Norfolk and Portsmouth were reclaimed by the Union forces, the shipyard was renamed to Norfolk Naval Shipyard. It was named after Norfolk County where it was located. At present, the Norfolk Naval Shipyard is found lying in the city bounds of Portsmouth, Virginia. The name was never changed to avoid being confused with the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard, which is situated in Maine. Until 1963, Portsmouth was Norfolk County's county seat. The new city of Chesapeake took over the county seat after being established in a political union with South Norfolk city. |
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Portsmouth is an essential part of the U.S. military complex located in Hampton Roads. The primary economic drivers in the area are shipbuilding and repairing. There are different manufacturers found in the city such as chemical, plastics, fertilizers, and railroad equipment. The Tidewater Community College founded in 1968 can also be seen in the city. The Portsmouth Naval Shipyard Museum also houses naval relics. You can also see colonial buildings that still stand in the city like the Monumental United Church and Trinity Church.
As of 2016 census, the city has a total population of 95, 252. Almost 52% of which is female and the remaining is male. Tourism in the city is deeply anchored in the town's vibrant history. The Hawthorne Hotel and Suites has been acclaimed by Historic Hotels of America for being able to preserve its historic roots. The historic hotel was named after the administrative head of the Colony of Virginia, Governor Robert Dinwiddie. Aside from this historic hotel, there are also other interesting spots in the city which include Portsmouth City Railroad, Portsmouth City Park, and Pokey Smokey II.
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As of 2016 census, the city has a total population of 95, 252. Almost 52% of which is female and the remaining is male. Tourism in the city is deeply anchored in the town's vibrant history. The Hawthorne Hotel and Suites has been acclaimed by Historic Hotels of America for being able to preserve its historic roots. The historic hotel was named after the administrative head of the Colony of Virginia, Governor Robert Dinwiddie. Aside from this historic hotel, there are also other interesting spots in the city which include Portsmouth City Railroad, Portsmouth City Park, and Pokey Smokey II.
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