Introduction to Portsmouth, Ohio
Portsmouth, Ohio, in Scioto county, is 36 miles NW of Huntington, West Virginia (center to center) and 84 miles E of Cincinnati, Ohio.
Portsmouth History
In the 1790s, the settlement of Alexandria was established west of the present-day territory of Portsmouth. However, because the region was prone to flooding by the Scioto and Ohio Rivera, in the early 1800s, Henry Massie relocated away from the flood plains and began plotting a new community. Portsmouth was established in 1803, and was incorporated as a city in 1815. The construction of the Ohio and Erie Canal, Underground Railroad, N&W railyards, and the B&O junction greatly impacted the development and growth of the city. In 1937, a floodwall was built around Portsmouth by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
Portsmouth and Nearby Attractions
- Southern Ohio Museum & Cultural Center
- Clark Planetarium
- Philip Moore Jr. Stone House
- Indian Burial Mounds
- Shawnee State Park & Forest
- Branch Rickey Park
Things To Do In Portsmouth
Southern Ohio Museum & Cultural Center has Carl Ackerman's collection of historic photographs as well as the works of local artist Clarence Carter on display. Boneyfiddle Historic District, Portsmouth's oldest neighborhood, has buildings from the 1830s, antique stores, galleries and shops. The Indian Burial Mounds, 1810 House and Philip Moore Jr. Stone House are among other places of historic interest in the city. Shawnee State Park & Forest includes two lakes, an 18-hole golf course and facilities for hiking, camping and canoeing. The Portsmouth Murals, another popular attraction, is an outdoor art gallery featuring more than 40 paintings created by mural artist Robert Dafford. These paintings depict Portsmouth's history, settlement and growth of industry. Carter Caves State Resort Park has a 40-acre lake, 20 miles of wooded nature trails, a 9-hole golf course, cottages, stables and tennis courts.
Portsmouth Transportation
Tri-State/Milton J. Ferguson Field is the closest major airport.
Portsmouth Higher Education
Portsmouth is home to Shawnee State University. Ashland Community College, Kentucky Christian College and Marshall University are close by.