Portsmouth
Portsmouth is a town in Newport County, Rhode Island, with a population of approximately 17,871. It is the second-oldest municipality in the state, founded in 1638 by religious dissenters from Massachusetts Bay Colony, including notable figures like Dr. John Clarke, William Coddington, and Anne Hutchinson. Originally named Pocasset, the town was officially renamed Portsmouth on May 12, 1639, after its namesake in Hampshire, England.
Portsmouth occupies 59.3 square miles, with a significant portion on Aquidneck Island, shared with Middletown and Newport. The town is notable for its extensive waterfront, which includes smaller islands like Prudence and Patience Islands. It was an integral part of the Colony of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations, contributing to the region's rich historical narrative.
County: Newport
