Portsmouth, Rhode Island
Encyclopedia
Portsmouth is a town
in Newport County
, Rhode Island, United States. The population was 17,389 at the 2010 U.S. Census
.
, the town has a total area of 59.3 square miles (153.6 km²), of which, 23.2 square miles (60.1 km²) of it is land and 36.1 square miles (93.5 km²) of it (60.86%) is water. Most of its land area lies on Aquidneck Island
, which it shares with Middletown
and Newport
. In addition, Portsmouth encompasses some smaller islands, including Prudence Island
, Patience Island
, Hope Island
, and Hog Island
.
Portsmouth was settled in 1638 by a group of religious dissenters from Boston Colony, including Dr. John Clarke
, William Coddington
, and Anne Hutchinson
. It is named after Portsmouth
, Hampshire, England. Roger Williams
convinced the settlers that they should go there, instead of settling in New Jersey, where they had first planned on going. It was founded by the signers of the Portsmouth Compact
. Its original Indian name was Pocasset. It was officially named Portsmouth on May 12, 1639.
It became part of the colony of Rhode Island (see Aquidneck Island
) and eventually of the colony of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations and the state
that bears that name.
Portsmouth is the site of an important capture during the American War for Independence. Lieutenant Colonel William Barton of Rhode Island captured the British Commander at Rhode Island, General Richard Prescott
there. It is also the site of Rhode Island's only major battle in that war on Butt's Hill. Nearby Founder's Brook is said to have run red with the blood of fallen British soldiers on August 29, 1778. During the Battle of Rhode Island
the 1st Rhode Island Regiment
, which comprised mostly African-American soldiers, served in the army of General John Sullivan
.
Portsmouth High School
Portsmouth Middle School
Elmhurst Elementary School (closed as of 2010–2011 school year)
Howard H. Hathaway Elementary School
Melville Elementary School
Prudence Island School (A Charter/Co-op "Home School" as of September 2009)
Private
Portsmouth Abbey School
(9th Grade through 12th Grade)
Saint Philomena School
(Pre-Kindergarten through 8th Grade)
The Pennfield School (Nursery through 8th Grade)
, and its Integrated Defense Systems department.
, the National Governing Body of Sailing in the U.S. Portsmouth is also home to the Newport International Polo Series held at Glen Farm. Portsmouth is also home to the Portsmouth Pirates, the town's soccer league.
Portsmouth High School also boasts a very successful football team. They are regularly in the top 5 teams in the state, and most often the No. 1 public school team.
At the time of the 1990 U.S. Census, there were 16,857 people residing in the town.
2000 U.S. Census
The 2000 U.S. Census reported that there were 17,149 people, or an increase of 1.7%, residing in the town. There were also 6,758 households, and 4,865 families recorded. The population density was 739.0 people per square mile (285.3/km²). There were 7,386 housing units at an average density of 318.3 per square mile (122.9/km²). The racial makeup of the town was 95.82% White, 1.17% African American, 0.19% Native American, 1.36% Asian, 0.03% Pacific Islander, 0.37% from other races
, and 1.05% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.45% of the population.
There were 6,758 households out of which 33.4% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 61.1% were married couples living together, 8.0% had a female householder with no husband present, and 28.0% were non-families. 23.3% of all households were made up of individuals and 10.0% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.53 and the average family size was 3.00.
In the town the population was spread out with 25.2% under the age of 18, 5.0% from 18 to 24, 29.5% from 25 to 44, 26.9% from 45 to 64, and 13.5% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 40 years. For every 100 females there were 96.5 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 92.6 males.
The median income for a household in the town was $58,835, and the median income for a family was $68,577. Males had a median income of $46,297 versus $31,745 for females. The per capita income for the town was $28,161. About 2.0% of families and 3.4% of the population were below the poverty line, including 2.8% of those under age 18 and 6.4% of those age 65 or over.
2010 U.S. Census
The 2010 U.S. Census reported that there were 17,349 people, or an increase of 1.15%, residing in the town. The racial makeup of the town was 94.57% White, 1.35% African American, 1.58% Asian, 0.21% American Indian or Alaskan Native, 0.04% Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander, 0.40% of some other race, and 1.86% of two or more races.
In the town 22.98% of the population was under the age of 18 and 16.47% were 65 years of age or older. Females made up 51.03% of the population.
Deceased
New England town
The New England town is the basic unit of local government in each of the six New England states. Without a direct counterpart in most other U.S. states, New England towns are conceptually similar to civil townships in other states, but are incorporated, possessing powers like cities in other...
in Newport County
Newport County, Rhode Island
-National protected areas:* Sachuest Point National Wildlife Refuge* Touro Synagogue National Historic Site-History:Newport County was constituted on June 22, 1703, as one of the two original counties of the Colony of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations. As originally established, Newport...
, Rhode Island, United States. The population was 17,389 at the 2010 U.S. Census
United States Census, 2010
The Twenty-third United States Census, known as Census 2010 or the 2010 Census, is the current national census of the United States. National Census Day was April 1, 2010 and is the reference date used in enumerating individuals...
.
Geography
According to the United States Census BureauUnited States Census Bureau
The United States Census Bureau is the government agency that is responsible for the United States Census. It also gathers other national demographic and economic data...
, the town has a total area of 59.3 square miles (153.6 km²), of which, 23.2 square miles (60.1 km²) of it is land and 36.1 square miles (93.5 km²) of it (60.86%) is water. Most of its land area lies on Aquidneck Island
Aquidneck Island
Aquidneck Island, located in the state of Rhode Island, is the largest island in Narragansett Bay. The island's official name is Rhode Island, and the common use of name "Aquidneck Island" helps distinguish the island from the state. The total land area is 97.9 km²...
, which it shares with Middletown
Middletown, Rhode Island
Middletown is a town in Newport County, Rhode Island, United States. The population was 16,150 at the 2010 census. It lies to the south of Portsmouth and to the north of Newport on Aquidneck Island, hence the name "Middletown."-Geography:...
and Newport
Newport, Rhode Island
Newport is a city on Aquidneck Island in Newport County, Rhode Island, United States, about south of Providence. Known as a New England summer resort and for the famous Newport Mansions, it is the home of Salve Regina University and Naval Station Newport which houses the United States Naval War...
. In addition, Portsmouth encompasses some smaller islands, including Prudence Island
Prudence Island
Prudence Island is the third largest island in Narragansett Bay in the U.S. state of Rhode Island and part of the town of Portsmouth. It is located near the geographical center of the bay. It is defined by the United States Census Bureau as Block Group 3, Census Tract 401.03 of Newport County,...
, Patience Island
Patience Island (Rhode Island)
Patience Island lies off the northwest coast of Prudence Island, in the town of Portsmouth, Rhode Island, United States. The island has no inhabitants since the Steere Family and has a land area of 0.8536 km² , making it the fourth-largest island in Narragansett Bay.-History:The island and...
, Hope Island
Hope Island (Rhode Island)
Hope Island is a 91-acre island located in Narragansett Bay, in the U.S. state of Rhode Island. The island, along with nearby Prudence Island and Patience Island, is part of the Narragansett Bay Reserve, home to colonial wading birds during their nesting season of spring and summer.-History:The...
, and Hog Island
Hog Island (Rhode Island)
Hog Island is an island in Narragansett Bay in Rhode Island, USA. It lies at the entrance to the harbor of the town of Bristol, and is part of the town of Portsmouth. The 60-foot tall Hog Island Shoal Lighthouse stands off the south end, warning ships to beware of the dangerous shoals around the...
.
History
John Clarke (1609-1676)
John Clarke was a medical doctor, Baptist minister, co-founder of the colony of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations, author of its influential charter, and a leading advocate of religious freedom in the Americas....
, William Coddington
William Coddington
William Coddington was an early magistrate of the Massachusetts Bay Colony, and later of the Colony of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations, serving as the Judge of Portsmouth, Judge of Newport, Governor of Portsmouth and Newport, Deputy Governor of the entire colony, and then Governor of the...
, and Anne Hutchinson
Anne Hutchinson
Anne Hutchinson was one of the most prominent women in colonial America, noted for her strong religious convictions, and for her stand against the staunch religious orthodoxy of 17th century Massachusetts...
. It is named after Portsmouth
Portsmouth
Portsmouth is the second largest city in the ceremonial county of Hampshire on the south coast of England. Portsmouth is notable for being the United Kingdom's only island city; it is located mainly on Portsea Island...
, Hampshire, England. Roger Williams
Roger Williams
-People:* Roger Williams , Welsh soldier of fortune* Roger Williams , English theologian, co-founder of Rhode Island* Roger Williams , US actor...
convinced the settlers that they should go there, instead of settling in New Jersey, where they had first planned on going. It was founded by the signers of the Portsmouth Compact
Portsmouth Compact
The Portsmouth Compact was a document signed on March 7, 1638 that established the settlement of Portsmouth, which is now a town in the state of Rhode Island...
. Its original Indian name was Pocasset. It was officially named Portsmouth on May 12, 1639.
It became part of the colony of Rhode Island (see Aquidneck Island
Aquidneck Island
Aquidneck Island, located in the state of Rhode Island, is the largest island in Narragansett Bay. The island's official name is Rhode Island, and the common use of name "Aquidneck Island" helps distinguish the island from the state. The total land area is 97.9 km²...
) and eventually of the colony of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations and the state
Rhode Island
The state of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations, more commonly referred to as Rhode Island , is a state in the New England region of the United States. It is the smallest U.S. state by area...
that bears that name.
Portsmouth is the site of an important capture during the American War for Independence. Lieutenant Colonel William Barton of Rhode Island captured the British Commander at Rhode Island, General Richard Prescott
Richard Prescott
Richard Prescott was a British officer, born in England.He was appointed a major of the 33rd Regiment of Foot, on 20 December 1756, transferred to the 72nd Regiment of Foot on 9 May 1758, and on 14 December 1761, lieutenant-colonel of the 17th Regiment of Foot, before in May 1762, transferring to...
there. It is also the site of Rhode Island's only major battle in that war on Butt's Hill. Nearby Founder's Brook is said to have run red with the blood of fallen British soldiers on August 29, 1778. During the Battle of Rhode Island
Battle of Rhode Island
The Battle of Rhode Island, also known as the Battle of Quaker Hill and the Siege of Newport, took place on August 29, 1778. Continental Army and militia forces under the command of General John Sullivan were withdrawing to the northern part of Aquidneck Island after abandoning their siege of...
the 1st Rhode Island Regiment
1st Rhode Island Regiment
The 1st Rhode Island Regiment was a Continental Army regiment from Rhode Island during the American Revolutionary War . Like most regiments of the Continental Army, the unit went through several incarnations and name changes. It became well-known as the "Black Regiment" because, for a time, it had...
, which comprised mostly African-American soldiers, served in the army of General John Sullivan
John Sullivan
John Sullivan was the third son of Irish immigrants, a United States general in the Revolutionary War, a delegate in the Continental Congress and a United States federal judge....
.
Schools
PublicPortsmouth High School
Portsmouth Middle School
Elmhurst Elementary School (closed as of 2010–2011 school year)
Howard H. Hathaway Elementary School
Melville Elementary School
Prudence Island School (A Charter/Co-op "Home School" as of September 2009)
Private
Portsmouth Abbey School
Portsmouth Abbey School
Portsmouth Abbey School is a private, coeducational boarding and day school for grades 9 through 12, located in Portsmouth, Rhode Island. Founded by the Benedictine monks of Portsmouth Abbey in 1926 as Portsmouth Priory School, the school offered a classical education to boys...
(9th Grade through 12th Grade)
Saint Philomena School
Saint Philomena School
Saint Philomena School is a private Catholic grammar school in Portsmouth, Rhode Island. St. Phil's, as it is known to its students and alumni, is located on Naragansett Bay, in the same area as the Portsmouth Abbey School, Green Animals Topiary Garden, and the Carnegie Abbey Club...
(Pre-Kindergarten through 8th Grade)
The Pennfield School (Nursery through 8th Grade)
Commerce
Since 1980, Portsmouth has been home to Clements' Market, a large supermarket. In addition, Portsmouth is home to the Portsmouth Business Park, as well as a few small plazas with a variety of businesses. Portsmouth is also home to a branch of RaytheonRaytheon
Raytheon Company is a major American defense contractor and industrial corporation with core manufacturing concentrations in weapons and military and commercial electronics. It was previously involved in corporate and special-mission aircraft until early 2007...
, and its Integrated Defense Systems department.
Sports
Portsmouth is the headquarters of US SailingUS Sailing
The United States Sailing Association, better known as US Sailing, is the governing body for the sport of sailing in the United States, particularly yacht, dinghy, windsurfing, and radio sailing racing...
, the National Governing Body of Sailing in the U.S. Portsmouth is also home to the Newport International Polo Series held at Glen Farm. Portsmouth is also home to the Portsmouth Pirates, the town's soccer league.
Portsmouth High School also boasts a very successful football team. They are regularly in the top 5 teams in the state, and most often the No. 1 public school team.
Demographics
1990 U.S. CensusAt the time of the 1990 U.S. Census, there were 16,857 people residing in the town.
2000 U.S. Census
The 2000 U.S. Census reported that there were 17,149 people, or an increase of 1.7%, residing in the town. There were also 6,758 households, and 4,865 families recorded. The population density was 739.0 people per square mile (285.3/km²). There were 7,386 housing units at an average density of 318.3 per square mile (122.9/km²). The racial makeup of the town was 95.82% White, 1.17% African American, 0.19% Native American, 1.36% Asian, 0.03% Pacific Islander, 0.37% from other races
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
, and 1.05% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.45% of the population.
There were 6,758 households out of which 33.4% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 61.1% were married couples living together, 8.0% had a female householder with no husband present, and 28.0% were non-families. 23.3% of all households were made up of individuals and 10.0% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.53 and the average family size was 3.00.
In the town the population was spread out with 25.2% under the age of 18, 5.0% from 18 to 24, 29.5% from 25 to 44, 26.9% from 45 to 64, and 13.5% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 40 years. For every 100 females there were 96.5 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 92.6 males.
The median income for a household in the town was $58,835, and the median income for a family was $68,577. Males had a median income of $46,297 versus $31,745 for females. The per capita income for the town was $28,161. About 2.0% of families and 3.4% of the population were below the poverty line, including 2.8% of those under age 18 and 6.4% of those age 65 or over.
2010 U.S. Census
The 2010 U.S. Census reported that there were 17,349 people, or an increase of 1.15%, residing in the town. The racial makeup of the town was 94.57% White, 1.35% African American, 1.58% Asian, 0.21% American Indian or Alaskan Native, 0.04% Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander, 0.40% of some other race, and 1.86% of two or more races.
In the town 22.98% of the population was under the age of 18 and 16.47% were 65 years of age or older. Females made up 51.03% of the population.
Historic sites
- Battle of Rhode Island SiteBattle of Rhode Island SiteBattle of Rhode Island Site, also known as Site of Battle of Rhode Island or Battle of Rhode Island Historic District, is the partially preserved location of the Battle of Rhode Island in 1778. It took place in the town of Portsmouth, on the island of Rhode Island, in the state of Rhode Island...
- Greenvale FarmGreenvale FarmGreenvale Farm is an historic farm at 582 Wapping Road in Portsmouth, Rhode Island.John Hubbard Sturgis and Edmond Coggleshall built the farmhouse in the mid-nineteenth century in an American Stick and Eastlake style. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1980 as number...
(1864) - Green Animals Topiary GardenGreen Animals Topiary GardenThe Green Animals Topiary Garden, located in Portsmouth, Rhode Island, is the oldest and most northern topiary garden in the United States. The estate overlooks the Narragansett Bay. It contains a large collection of topiaries including eighty sculptured trees...
(1859) - Hog Island Shoal Lighthouse (1901)
- Lawton-Almy-Hall FarmLawton-Almy-Hall FarmLawton-Almy-Hall Farm is an historic farm in Portsmouth, Rhode Island on the National Register of Historic Places.Lawtwon farm was founded in the 17th century and continued through the 20th century. Some parts of the farm house date back to the late 17th century. The farm was added to the National...
- Mount Hope BridgeMount Hope BridgeThe Mount Hope Bridge is a two-lane suspension bridge spanning the Mount Hope Bay in eastern Rhode Island, at one of the narrowest gaps in Narragansett Bay. The bridge connects the Rhode Island towns of Portsmouth and Bristol, and is part of Route 114...
(1929) - Oak Glen (Portsmouth, Rhode Island)Oak Glen (Portsmouth, Rhode Island)Oak Glen is a historic place at 745 Union Street in Portsmouth, Rhode Island. It was the home of Julia Ward Howe, the author of "The Battle Hymn of the Republic". She died here on October 17, 1910, at the age of 91....
- Portsmouth Friends Meetinghouse Parsonage and CemeteryPortsmouth Friends Meetinghouse Parsonage and CemeteryPortsmouth Friends Meetinghouse, Parsonage, and Cemetery is a historic Friends Meeting House and cemetery of the Religious Society of Friends , at 11 Middle Road and 2232 E...
(1699) - Prudence Island Lighthouse (1823)
- Union Church (Portsmouth, Rhode Island)Union Church (Portsmouth, Rhode Island)The Union Church is an historic church and local history museum owned by the Portsmouth Historical Society at 870 East Main Road in Portsmouth, Rhode Island...
(1720) - Wreck Sites of H.M.S. Cerberus and H.M.S. LarkWreck Sites of H.M.S. Cerberus and H.M.S. LarkThe Wreck Sites of HMS Cerberus and HMS Lark comprise a national historic site that is located in the waters of Narragansett Bay adjacent to Aquidneck Island near South Portsmouth, Rhode Island.-History:...
(1778)
Notable residents
- Mike CloudMike CloudMichael Alexander "Mike" Cloud is a former American football running back in the National Football League . He has played for the Kansas City Chiefs, the New England Patriots, and the New York Giants.-Early life:...
- NFL running back for the Kansas City ChiefsKansas City ChiefsThe Kansas City Chiefs are a professional American football team based in Kansas City, Missouri. They are a member of the Western Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League . Originally named the Dallas Texans, the club was founded by Lamar Hunt in 1960 as a...
, New England PatriotsNew England PatriotsThe New England Patriots, commonly called the "Pats", are a professional football team based in the Greater Boston area, playing their home games in the town of Foxborough, Massachusetts at Gillette Stadium. The team is part of the East Division of the American Football Conference in the National...
, and New York GiantsNew York GiantsThe New York Giants are a professional American football team based in East Rutherford, New Jersey, representing the New York City metropolitan area. The Giants are currently members of the Eastern Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League... - Chris CosentinoChris CosentinoChris Cosentino is an American chef noted for his specialty, offal dishes, now considered haute cuisine by many, and his eco-consciousness. He is executive chef at Incanto in San Francisco. He was a competitor on The Next Iron Chef and has appeared on Iron Chef America. As of September 2009, he...
- American chef and cast member of "The Next Iron ChefThe Next Iron ChefThe Next Iron Chef, is a limited-run series on the Food Network now in its fourth season. Each season is a stand-alone competition to select a chef to be designated an Iron Chef, who will appear on the Food Network program Iron Chef America....
" - Helen GloverHelen GloverHelen Glover is an American talk radio host and former cast member on the reality television series Survivor: Thailand. Glover hosts the Helen Glover Show on TalkRadio 920 WHJJ, which was named by the Associated Press as the best talk show in 2005 among AP member stations in Rhode Island and...
- cast member on Survivor: ThailandSurvivor: ThailandSurvivor: Thailand is the fifth season of the United States reality show Survivor. It was filmed in the summer of 2002 and aired from September 19 – December 19, 2002 on CBS. It was set on the island of Ko Tarutao in Thailand. Fourteen episodes aired weekly. The two initial tribes were Chuay...
and host of the Helen Glover Show on TalkRadio 920 WHJJ - Patrick KennedyPatrick J. KennedyPatrick Joseph Kennedy II is the former U.S. Representative for , serving from 1995 until 2011. He is a member of the Democratic Party. The district includes all of Bristol County and Newport County, and parts of Providence County. Kennedy did not seek re-election in 2010.A member of the Kennedy...
- former U.S. congressman for Rhode Island's First district (1995–2011) - Ronald MachtleyRonald MachtleyRonald Keith "Ron" Machtley was a Republican member of the United States House of Representatives from Rhode Island from 1989 to 1995. Since 1996, Machtley has served as president of Bryant University in Smithfield, Rhode Island....
- former U.S. congressman, President of Bryant UniversityBryant UniversityBryant University is a private university located in Smithfield, Rhode Island, U.S., that grants the degrees of bachelor of arts, bachelor of science, and master's degrees in business, taxation and accounting. Until August 2004, it was known as Bryant College...
Deceased
- Ade BethuneAde BethuneAde Bethune was a Catholic liturgical artist.She was associated with the Catholic Worker Movement, and designed an early masthead of its publication, the Catholic Worker, first used in 1935. She later re-designed this in 1985, replacing one of the men with a woman.Bethune was an advocate of...
(died 2002)- liturgical artist and Catholic WorkerCatholic Worker MovementThe Catholic Worker Movement is a collection of autonomous communities of Catholics and their associates founded by Dorothy Day and Peter Maurin in 1933. Its aim is to "live in accordance with the justice and charity of Jesus Christ." One of its guiding principles is hospitality towards those on... - Julia Ward HoweJulia Ward HoweJulia Ward Howe was a prominent American abolitionist, social activist, and poet, most famous as the author of "The Battle Hymn of the Republic".-Biography:...
(died 1910)- author of "The Battle Hymn of the RepublicThe Battle Hymn of the Republic"The Battle Hymn of the Republic" is a hymn by American writer Julia Ward Howe using the music from the song "John Brown's Body". Howe's more famous lyrics were written in November 1861 and first published in The Atlantic Monthly in February 1862. It became popular during the American Civil War...
" - Anne HutchinsonAnne HutchinsonAnne Hutchinson was one of the most prominent women in colonial America, noted for her strong religious convictions, and for her stand against the staunch religious orthodoxy of 17th century Massachusetts...
(died 1643)- founded colony of Rhode IslandRhode IslandThe state of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations, more commonly referred to as Rhode Island , is a state in the New England region of the United States. It is the smallest U.S. state by area...
in 1638 - Betty HuttonBetty HuttonBetty Hutton was an American stage, film, and television actress, comedienne and singer.-Early life:Hutton was born Elizabeth June Thornburg, daughter of a railroad foreman, Percy E. Thornburg and his wife, the former Mabel Lum . While she was very young, her father abandoned the family for...
(died 2007)- American film actress and singer
Further reading
- Garman, James E. (1996). Traveling Around Aquidneck Island 1890–1930. Portsmouth: Hamilton Printing. ISBN 0-9631722-6-3.
- Pierce, John T. (1991). Historical Tracts of the Town of Portsmouth. Portsmouth: Hamilton Printing. ISBN 0-9631722-0-4.