Portsmouth in Rockingham County, New Hampshire — The American Northeast (New England)

Black Yankees and The Sea

Portsmouth Black Heritage Trail

Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, June 28, 2017

1. Black Yankees and The Sea Marker

Inscription.
People of African origin or descent have been part of Portsmouth since at least 1645. This waterfront was an entry port for enslaved people arriving in New Hampshire during the 1600s and 1700s. Ships brought black children and adults directly from Africa and from the West Indies or southern colonies. These “servants” worked in Portsmouth houses, craft shops, farms, and at sea. By 1800, slavery was ending in New Hampshire. Black people continued to work this port into the 20th century, at the Naval Shipyard and as members of the armed forces.

Erected by Portsmouth Black Heritage Trail.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Colonial Era • Industry & Commerce. In addition, it is included in the New Hampshire, The Black Heritage Trail of series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1645.

Location. 43° 4.605′ N, 70° 45.067′ W. Marker is in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, in Rockingham County. Marker can be reached from Marcy Street east of Puddle Lane, on the right when traveling north. Marker is located at the east edge of Prescott Park, near the Sheafe Warehouse exhibit, overlooking the Piscataqua River. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 105 Marcy Street, Portsmouth NH 03801, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers.

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At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Portsmouth Navy Yard (within shouting distance of this marker); Portsmouth NH Marine Railway (within shouting distance of this marker); Liberty Pole and Bridge (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Portsmouth NH Red Light District (about 400 feet away); Sheafe Warehouse (about 400 feet away); Point of Graves (about 500 feet away); Oracle House (about 500 feet away); a different marker also named Point of Graves (about 500 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Portsmouth.

More about this marker. Marker is a metal tablet mounted on a short boulder.

Related markers. Click here for a list of markers that are related to this marker. Portsmouth Black Heritage Trail

Also see . . . Portsmouth Black Heritage Trail.
Most black people in Portsmouth lived within a few blocks of the river. Jobs as mariners, stevedores and truckmen were available in places like Ceres Street, which is little changed since 1805. At sea, the need to cooperate for safety in severe conditions and for mutual support against harsh captains fostered inter-racial egalitarianism and friendships. Black Jacks Employers gave equal pay and rank to qualified black mariners; some became officers on New England’s dangerous whaling ships. (Submitted on April 7, 2018, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.)

Black Yankees and The Sea Marker (<i>wide view</i>) image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, June 28, 2017

2. Black Yankees and The Sea Marker (wide view)

Additional keywords. Middle Passage Series

Black Yankees and The Sea Marker (<i>wide view; Sheafe Warehouse & Piscataqua River background</i>) image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, June 28, 2017

3. Black Yankees and The Sea Marker (wide view; Sheafe Warehouse & Piscataqua River background)

Credits. This page was last revised on October 3, 2023. It was originally submitted on April 7, 2018, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. This page has been viewed 257 times since then and 17 times this year. Last updated on October 2, 2023, by Kaycee Michelle Hailey of Charlotte, North Carolina. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on April 7, 2018, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.