Portsmouth has evolved into the waterfront city that it is today. The busy harbor handles the largest volume of freight on the East Coast. Founded as a town in 1752, on 65 acres of land on the shore of the Elizabeth River. The 65 acres were part of “Colonel Crawford’s” extensive plantation and were constituted as a town by an enabling act of the General Assembly of Virginia. The town was named after the English naval port of that name, and many of the streets of the new town reflected the English heritage.
- Portsmouth Historic Sites: Olde Towne – The Olde Towne section features one of the largest collections of historically significant homes between Alexandria, Virginia and Charleston, South Carolina. For example, located in Olde Towne is Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church (AME), which was built by slaves and free men and is the second-oldest building in Portsmouth and the city’s oldest black church. The city contains a number of other historic buildings, as well, including the Pass House, which was built in 1841 by Judge James Murdaugh and occupied by Union troops from 1862 to 1865. Federal forces required Portsmouth residents to obtain a written pass to travel across the Elizabeth River and beyond. These passes were issued from the English basement and thus the name “Pass House” was derived.
- The Hill House – Four-story 1825 English basement home furnished entirely with original family belongings. It is evident from the furnishings that the Hill families were avid collectors and lived graciously over a period of 150 years. The house remains in its original condition, with limited renovation through the years.
- Cedar Grove Cemetery – Established in 1832, Cedar Grove is the oldest city-owned cemetery in Portsmouth. Listed on the Virginia and national registers of historic sites, the cemetery is noted for its funerary art and the civic, business, maritime, religious and military leaders who are buried there. Historical markers placed throughout the cemetery allow for self-guided tours. The cemetery is located between Effingham Street and Fort Lane in Olde Towne Portsmouth. Entrance is through the south gate to the cemetery, located on London Boulevard.
Portsmouth Education:
Elementary Schools: Brighton, Douglas Park, Hodges Manor, Lakeview, Park View, Churchland Academy, Simondale, and more
Middle School: churchland, Cradock, and William E. Water
High School: Churchland, I.C. Norcom, and Manor
Featured Areas:
- Cavalier Manor
- Churchland
- Cradock
- New Port at Victory
- Olde Towne
- Port Norfolk
- Simonsdale
- Westhaven