History of Portsmouth, Rhode Island, USA

1638 - 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.

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1673 - Mysterious death of Rebecca Cornell in Portsmouth
In 1673 Rebecca Cornell, widow of Thomas Cornell (settler), died in a house fire. Her son Thomas(Jr.) was accused, tried, convicted and hung for the "crime." In addition to there being only circumstantial evidence presented against Thomas, and a number of other potential suspects (including Thomas' wife and a local Native American) and the possibility that Rebecca simply caught fire trying to stay warm near a fireplace, an alleged visit of the ghost of Rebecca to a testifying relative (known as Spectral evidence, which was also admissible evidence in the Salem witch trials) was admitted as solid evidence in the case. This practice of using dreams and apparitions as evidence was subsequently abandoned.
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In the war for American Independence, 10 July 1777, Lieutenant Colonel William Barton of Rhode Island captured the British Commander at Rhode Island, General Richard Prescott in Portsmouth.

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1819 - Portsmouth
Portsmouth is a post township, situated upon the northern section of Rhode-Island; bounded on the north by Mount Hope bay, on the east by the Secconnet or east passage, on the south and southwest by Middletown, and on the west by Narragansett bay.

The length of the township, from northeast to southwest, is about 8 miles, and it has a mean breadth of more than 2 miles, comprising about 17 square miles.

The surface is generally elevated and prospective, affording pleasant and interesting landscapes. The geological structure is similar to that of the rest of the island; the prevailing rocks being schistus or slate. The internal structure comprises extensive strata of mineral coal, which are supposed to be four miles in extent. Two pits have been opened, and considerable quantities have been raised. The quality of the coal is supposed to be improving, as the mine is extended; and it is believed, that it will eventually be a source of great profit, and of extensive public... Read MORE...

1839 - Portsmouth
Portsmouth, Rhode Island
Newport county. The soil of this town, in common with all the lands on the island of R.I., is uncommonly fertile, well cultivated and productive. It is bounded N. by Mount Hope bay, E. by the Seaconnet passage from the sea to said bay, S. by the ocean, and W. by Middletown. The maritime situation of the town affords the people great facilities for the fisheries, which, with a fine soil and industry, give them a great degree of independence. A number of islands are attached to this town, of which the beautiful and fertile island of Prudence is the largest. It is six miles in length, and about three quarters of a mile average width. In this town are the Rhode Island coal mines, which are not worked at the present time. A fine bed of plumbago has recently been discovered. Portsmouth furnishes considerable quantities of wool, hay, grain, vegetables, and productions of the dairy. In the 1837 there were 16,000 sheep in the town. Population, 1830, 1,727. Portsmouth... Read MORE...

1854 - Portsmouth
Portsmouth, a post-township in Newport co., Rhode Island, 6 miles N. N. E. from Newport. Population, 1833.
A New and Complete Gazetteer of the United States: Giving a Full and Comprehensive Review of the Present Condition, Industry, and Resources of the American Confederacy ... Thomas Baldwin (of Philadelphia.) Joseph Thomas January 1, 1854 Philadelphia : Lippincott, Grambo & Company 1854.

1864 - Tons of Coal
There is a bed of coal near Portsmouth, Rhode Island, which is estimated to contain about forty millions of tons, and the opening of the new railroad to Newport will be likely to bring much activity to the mines and throw the coal into market, where what is now got out commands the remunerative price of $7.50 per ton. About seventy-five tons are now sent to Taunton every day.
genealogybank.com
Lowell Daily Citizen and News
Lowell, Massachusetts
February 5, 1864

1868 - Clergyman Switches Partners
In Portsmouth, Rhode Island, a clergyman has created great excitement among the citizens by turning his wife out of doors and taking up with his housekeeper.
genealogybank.com
Memphis Daily Avalanche
Memphis, Tennessee
February 2, 1868

1873 - Small Pox Vaccine and Tobacco
A Portsmouth, Rhode Island, man who was a noted tobacco-chewer, has loathed the weed ever since he was vaccinated. But it is given as fact that the small-pox has caused more people to abandon chewing than vaccination has.
genealogybank.com
Hartford Daily Courant
Hartford, Connecticut
June 14, 1873

1895 - Portsmouth
Portsmouth, a post-township of Newport co., R.I., on Narragansett Bay, about 20 miles S. by E. of Providence. It comprises the northern part of the island of Aquidneck or Rhode Island, and is traversed by the Old Colony Rail road. It has 4 churches, and has manufactures of copper, iron, and steel, and coal-mines. Pop. 1893.
Lippincott's Gazetteer of the World: A Complete Pronouncing Gazetteer Or Geographical Dictionary of the World Containing Notices of Over One Hundred and Twenty-five Thousand Places ... Joseph Thomas January 1, 1895 J.B. Lippincott

1906
Portsmouth, a post-township (town) of Newport co., R.I., on Narragansett Bay, about 20 miles S. by E. of Providence, on the New York, New Haven and Hartford R. Pop. in 1900, 2105.
Lippincott's New Gazetteer: A Complete Pronouncing Gazetteer Or Geographical Dictionary of the World, Containing the Most Recent and Authentic Information Respecting the Countries, Cities, Towns ... in Every Portion of the Globe Publisher J.B. Lippincott Company, 1906

Whether you're a history buff, an outdoor enthusiast, or simply looking for a relaxing getaway, Portsmouth has something to offer. Here's a list of places to visit and activities to enjoy in Portsmouth:
Newport Vineyards: Start your visit with a taste of local wines at Newport Vineyards. This beautiful winery offers tours and tastings where you can savor a variety of wines produced right here in Rhode Island.

Sakonnet Greenway Trail: If you're a nature lover, the Sakonnet Greenway Trail is a must-visit. This 10-mile network of scenic trails winds through forests, fields, and wetlands, providing ample opportunities for hiking and birdwatching.

Glen Farm: Explore the historic Glen Farm, a 165-acre property that once belonged to a wealthy industrialist. Today, it's a public park with walking trails and beautiful views. Keep an eye out for the iconic stone barn.

Portsmouth Historical Society: Discover the rich history of Portsmouth at the Portsmouth Historical Society. The museum showcases artifacts, photographs, and exhibits that tell the story of this charming town.

Green Animals Topiary Garden: Step into a whimsical world at Green Animals Topiary Garden. This unique garden ... Read MORE...