Portsmouth in Scioto County, Ohio — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

Portsmouth and the Ohio River

Photographed By J. J. Prats, April 16, 2019

1. Portsmouth and the Ohio River Marker

Inscription. The Ohio River floodwaters account for Portsmouth’s settlement. Alexandria, the county’s first town, was laid out in 1799 on the west bank of the Scioto at its confluence with the Ohio. Early settlers in Alexandria were forced to higher ground across the river in Portsmouth because of frequent flooding. As a result, Portsmouth, platted in 1803, became Scioto County's seat and business center by 1814. Prominent local industries included brick, stone, steel, wood products, and shoe manufacturing. As of 2003, the Ohio River is the cornerstone of Portsmouth’s transportation system, providing a means for materials to reach destinations throughout the region. It also serves as a recreation hub. The three mile long levee, first built in 1908, failed in the 1937 flood and was subsequently improved.

Erected 2003 by Ohio Bicentennial Commission, Tall Stacks, Inc., Portsmouth Area Chamber of Commerce and The Ohio Historical Society. (Marker Number 8-73.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Settlements & Settlers. In addition, it is included in the Ohio Historical Society / The Ohio History Connection series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1803.

Location. 38° 43.832′ N, 83°

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0.13′ W. Marker is in Portsmouth, Ohio, in Scioto County. Marker can be reached from the intersection of Front Street and Court Street when traveling west. It is outside of the levee, visible on the right as you pass through the Court Street gate. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Portsmouth OH 45662, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Stagecoach / Hanging Rock Region / Ohio and Erie Canal / Early Industries (within shouting distance of this marker); Tenth Street Station / Market Square / Portsmouth 1903 (within shouting distance of this marker); Platting of Portsmouth, 1803 / The 1810 House / The 1812 Era / Flood Gate House / Early Boneyfiddle (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); 1937 Ohio River Flood Mark on Bigg's House (about 300 feet away); Millbrook Park / The Shoe Industry, 1869-1977 / Early 1900's Streetcar / Government Square, 1919 (about 400 feet away); Julia Marlowe / Portsmouth Shoe-Steels / The Portsmouth Spartans / The Greyhound Bus Station, 1941 (about 400 feet away); Introduction / The Mound Builders / Early Shawnee Village, 1730 / Celeron de Blainville, 1749 (about 500 feet away); Alexandria / Alexandria Flood / Stone House / Court Street Gateway (about 500 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Portsmouth.

Photographed By J. J. Prats, April 16, 2019

2. Portsmouth and the Ohio River Marker

The levee is decorated with stars naming famous residents of Portsmouth. The Court Street gate is in the far distance on the right.

Marker at the Ohio River image. Click for full size.

Photographed By J. J. Prats, April 16, 2019

3. Marker at the Ohio River

The bridge in the distance is the U.S. 23 bridge that connects Portsmouth to the nearby Kentucky towns of South Shore and South Portsmouth.

Credits. This page was last revised on June 27, 2019. It was originally submitted on April 24, 2019, by J. J. Prats of Powell, Ohio. This page has been viewed 332 times since then and 28 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on April 24, 2019, by J. J. Prats of Powell, Ohio.