Ten Fascinating Facts about Portsmouth NH

Living in Portsmouth, you can't help but feel a deep connection to the past. Our city’s history is woven into the fabric of everyday life, from the cobblestone streets to the centuries-old buildings. As someone who’s lucky enough to call Portsmouth home, I’m excited to share some of the most fascinating historical tidbits about our beloved city.

One of the Oldest Cities in the US

Portsmouth was founded in 1623, making it one of the oldest cities in the United States. We started as a humble fishing and trading community and quickly grew into an important seaport. You can still stroll through neighborhoods that date back to the 1600s, especially in the Strawbery Banke Museum, where history is quite literally preserved in place.

Birthplace of the US Navy

We locals take pride in Portsmouth being called the "Birthplace of the U.S. Navy." Back in 1774, before the Revolutionary War officially kicked off, local patriots raided Fort William and Mary (now Fort Constitution) in New Castle, snatching up gunpowder and arms. Those supplies went on to support the Continental Army. Today, the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard, established in 1800, still plays a crucial role, and it all started here.

The Treaty of Portsmouth

In 1905, our city played host to the negotiations that ended the Russo-Japanese War. The Treaty of Portsmouth was signed at the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard, with President Theodore Roosevelt stepping in to help mediate the talks. Thanks to this, Roosevelt won the Nobel Peace Prize, and Portsmouth earned a spot in the history books.

Home of the First Colonial Brewery

Portsmouth has a long history with brewing. In fact, it was home to the first colonial brewery in New Hampshire. Established in 1671 by Captain John Mason, the brewery supplied ale to the growing settlement. In 1858, Frank Jones opened the Frank Jones Brewery that soon employed more than 500 Irish immigrants and became one of the country’s largest breweries by 1870. The original Frank Jones brewhouse buildings are still standing in the West End of Portsmouth at the intersection of Jewell Court and Brewery Lane.  Fast forward to today, and our craft brewing scene is thriving, still paying homage to those early days.

Portsmouth Harbour Lighthouse

You’ve probably seen the Portsmouth Harbor Lighthouse if you’ve ever ventured over to New Castle. Established in 1771, it’s one of the oldest lighthouses in the country. The current tower, built in 1878, still stands tall, guiding ships safely into the harbor. On a clear day, you can climb to the top for some incredible views of our coastline. In fact, I had the honor of doing an artist's profile on the oldest living lighthouse keeper, Connie Small, who happened to live out her last few decades here in Portsmouth.  She happily sat while I painted her portrait for several afternoons during the summer of 1997.  I learned so much from this energetic woman, who was a mere 95 years-young at the time.  She died in 2005 at the age of 103. You can learn about her life in the book she published called The Lighthouse Keeper’s Wife. 

A Haven for escaped Slaves

Portsmouth has a proud history of standing up for what’s right. Our city played a significant role in the Underground Railroad, with many homes serving as safe havens for escaped slaves. You can still see some of these homes today, and the African Burying Ground Memorial downtown is a powerful reminder of our city’s commitment to freedom and justice.  Portsmouth offers several historic tours featuring black history.  You can learn more in my recent blog or click here to view a tour schedule for the Portsmouth Heritage Trail.

Home to the John Paul JoNes House

John Paul Jones, the man often called the "Father of the American Navy," lived here in Portsmouth while he oversaw the construction of the USS Ranger during the Revolutionary War. The house where he stayed is now a museum, offering a peek into his life and our rich maritime history.

The Great portsmouth fire of 1813

We’ve had our share of challenges, and the Great Fire of 1813 was one of the biggest. This devastating fire tore through the city, destroying over 270 buildings. In fact it was one of three fires that occurred in succession and destroyed a total of 500 buildings.  Miraculously, no one died, and the devastation garnered so much sympathy that Congress enacted the first disaster fund relief ever.  Most building owners did not have insurance.  But with charitable support, and a collective perseverance, we rebuilt—this time with stricter building codes that required brick construction. That’s why so much of historic Portsmouth is made of brick, giving our city its distinctive look.

The Isle of Shoals Connection

Just off our coast are the Isles of Shoals, once a bustling hub for fishing and trading connected to Portsmouth. These islands were among the earliest European settlements in New England and later became a summer retreat for artists and writers. Star Island, in particular, is still a favorite spot for locals and visitors looking to soak in some history and stunning ocean views. The Isle of Shoals Steamship Company offers boat trips over to the islands with guided tours.  For a great read, check out The Weight of Water, by Anita Shreve, which dives into the mystery of the murders that took place on the Isle of Shoals, at SmuttyNose Island, back in 1873.

Portsmouth LIterary Legacy

Our little city has inspired many great writers over the years. Sarah Orne Jewett, known for her stories of New England life, was born nearby and often wrote about Portsmouth. Thomas Bailey Aldrich, another local literary figure, was a popular 19th-century author of The Atlantic Monthly. His boyhood home is now a museum, celebrating our city’s rich literary tradition.  Celia Thaxter, who wrote the Sandpiper among many others, lived on the Isle of Shoals.  And from more recent works, Dan Brown, who wrote the Davinci Code and Angels and Demons, lives in the neighboring town of Rye, NH.

Portsmouth may be small, but our history is anything but. Whether you’re walking through downtown, visiting a museum, or just soaking up the atmosphere, you’re stepping into a story that’s been unfolding for centuries. That’s one of the things that makes living here so special—we’re not just surrounded by history; we’re part of it.

Dive Deeper

If you want to immerse yourself further, then visit Portsmouth’s historic homes or take a guided tour.  Check out my favorite historical attractions in my recent blog post:  Discover Portsmouth's Past: A Local's Guide to the Best Historical Tours.