PORTSMOUTH HISTORY

In 1623 a fishing settlement was built at the river's mouth. First called Piscataqua and then Strawbery Banke, it became a bustling colonial port. The town, incorporated by Massachusetts in 1653 and named for Portsmouth, England, served as the seat of New Hampshire's provincial government until the American Revolution. Claimed as one of the third oldest cities in the US, Portsmouth's historic core of brick and clapboard building can be seen from Market Square, Congress, State Daneil, Pleasant, Bow and Penhallow Streets. The charm of brick sidewalks, Colonial, Federal and Georgian houses make this Historic Home town a perfect place to live.

Noteworthy Historic Properties