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Portsmouth, Rhode Island

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Portsmouth, Rhode Island
Town
CountryUnited States
StateRhode Island
CountyNewport
Area
 • Total59.3 sq mi (153.6 km2)
 • Land23.2 sq mi (60.1 km2)
 • Water36.1 sq mi (93.5 km2)
Elevation
203 ft (62 m)
Population
 (2000)
 • Total17,149
 • Density739.0/sq mi (285.3/km2)
Time zoneUTC-5 (Eastern (EST))
 • Summer (DST)UTC-4 (EDT)
ZIP code
02871
Area code401
FIPS code44-57880Template:GR
GNIS feature ID1220065Template:GR

Portsmouth is a town in Newport County, Rhode Island, United States. The population was 17,149 at the 2000 census. Portsmouth's ZIP code is 02871.

Geography

According to the United States Census Bureau, 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.

History

Portsmouth Compact memorial at Founder's Brook.

Portsmouth was settled in 1638 by Anne Hutchinson and her followers, after Portsmouth, Hampshire, England. It was founded by the signers of the Portsmouth Compact, including Anne Hutchinson's husband William Hutchinson. 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-in-Chief, General Richard Prescott there. It is also the site of Rhode Island's only major battle in that war on Butt's Hill. It's said that nearby Founder's Brook ran 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 Gen. John Sullivan.

Schools

Public

Portsmouth High School
Portsmouth Middle School
Elmhurst Elementary School
Howard H. Hathaway Elementary School
Melville Elementary School
Prudence Island School

Private

Portsmouth Abbey School (9th Grade through 12th Grade)
Saint Philomena School (Pre-Kindergarden 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 Raytheon, and its Integrated Defense Systems department.


File:2008jan12 portsmouth mthopebridge.jpg
The Mount Hope Bridge, connecting Portsmouth with Bristol, Rhode Island.
The 1725 schoolhouse owned by the Portsmouth Historical Society is one of the oldest surviving in the U.S.

Demographics

As of the censusTemplate:GR of 2000, there were 17,149 people, 6,758 households, and 4,865 families residing in the town. 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/sq mi (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.

Historic Sites in Portsmouth

Notable Residents

References


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.

41°36′08″N 71°15′01″W / 41.60222°N 71.25028°W / 41.60222; -71.25028

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