Historical Markers and War Memorials in Portsmouth, New Hampshire
Brentwood is the county seat for Rockingham County
Portsmouth is in Rockingham County
Rockingham County(143) ► ADJACENT TO ROCKINGHAM COUNTY Hillsborough County(81) ► Merrimack County(126) ► Strafford County(48) ► York County, Maine(134) ► Essex County, Massachusetts(344) ►
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On this site were leased lots provided by the North Church Parish dating from 1709. One such parcel was the home of Hunking Wentworth, Chairman of the Committee of Public Safety and zealous patriot on behalf of the American Revolution. The site was . . . — — Map (db m76460) HM
On State Street (U.S. 1) east of Middle Street, on the right when traveling east.
(left panel)
I stand for the Ancestors Here and Beyond
I stand for those who feel anger
I stand for those who were treated unjustly
I stand for those who were taken from their loved ones
I stand for those who suffered . . . — — Map (db m115995) HM
Near Marcy Street east of Puddle Lane, on the right when traveling north.
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 . . . — — Map (db m233865) HM
On Daniel Street, on the right when traveling west.
Poet, writer, artist was born here June 29, 1835
Author of Among the Isles of Shoals and An Island Garden
She died on Appledore August 26, 1894 — — Map (db m96976) HM
On Hunking Street west of Mechanic Street, on the right when traveling west.
Colonel Tobias Lear
was born in this house in 1760.
He was George Washington’s Secretary
from 1783 to 1799.
Washington visited here in 1789.
This tablet is placed by the Society
of the Sons of the Revolution
of the State of New . . . — — Map (db m115969) HM
On Route 1 Bypass near Submarine Way, on the right when traveling north.
“This monument is dedicated to the 129 gallant men, military and civilian who went down with their ship off New England’s continental shelf on 10 April 1963”
( The names of the 129 men aboard follow. ) — — Map (db m149119) HM
Frank Jones (1832-1902) was a Barrington-born farmboy who came to Portsmouth as a teenager and literally rose from rags to riches in a remarkable short time. A man of boundless energy and daring, he parlayed the fortune he amassed as a brewer . . . — — Map (db m76456) HM
On Pleasant Street at Edward Street on Pleasant Street.
The land for this park was given to the city by Miss Eliza A. Haven through a bequest following her death in 1897. The last direct descendant of Dr. Samuel Haven, who stipulated in his will that the ancestral family mansion be “taken . . . — — Map (db m97042) HM
On Market Street, on the right when traveling south.
Moffatt - Ladd House & Garden This tree was planted in 1776 when William Whipple (1730 – 1785) returned home from Philadelphia after signing The Declaration of Independence. — — Map (db m105538) HM
On Atkinson Street at Court Street on Atkinson Street.
In the midst of the American Revolution in 1777, James, enslaved by tavern owner John Stavers, was ordered to stop a zealous patriot from chopping down the tavern sign. Although James nearly killed the man, it was his owner, a suspected Tory, who . . . — — Map (db m115986) HM
Near Submarine Way north of Bypass U.S. 1, on the left when traveling west.
Jim Sergeant enlisted in the US Navy on June 25, 1964. Following Boot Camp and internal Communications training, Jim served tours aboard the Naval Nuclear Power School, Vallejo, CA; Nuclear Power Training Unit, Schenectady, NY; and USS Tattnall . . . — — Map (db m186281) HM
Has been designated a Registered National Historic Landmark Under the provisions of the Historic Sites Act of August 21, 1935 This site possesses exceptional value in commemorating or illustrating the history of the United States U.S. Department of . . . — — Map (db m116010) HM
On Market Street, on the right when traveling west.
Born in 1798 into a family of Portsmouth Mariners, John Samuel Blunt was apprenticed in the Boston workshop of artist John Ritto Penniman where, from age 14 to 21, he mastered the art of ornamentation. Here, he met other ambitious young artists who . . . — — Map (db m97040) HM
On State Street (U.S. 1) at Court Place, on the right when traveling north on State Street.
In 1717 Portsmouth's first identified black family was baptised by South Church.
Baptisms of enslaved people became more frequent in local churches; black marriages, however, were not included in town records until the Revolutionary Era, when . . . — — Map (db m115979) HM
Legend Records "Liberty, Property & no Stamps" on a flag flown on the first Portsmouth Liberty Pole in January 1766, in response to British attempts to tax products without American representation in Parliament, the Portsmouth Sons of Liberty . . . — — Map (db m76579) HM
On Daniel Street, on the right when traveling west.
Photo 1 The memorial bridge was constructed between 1920 and 1923 and demolished in 2012. It was the second bridge built across the fast and deep waters of Portsmouth Harbor. The 1923 bridge was the first vertical lift bridge constructed . . . — — Map (db m97036) HM
On Pleasant Street, on the right when traveling north.
[Upper Marker:]
22/26 Market Square
Built 1803
The Oldest Bank Building
New Hampshire Bank 1803-1842
Portsmouth Savings Bank 1823-C.1950
Piscataqua Bank 1842-1863
Piscataqua Exchange Bank 1844-1863
First National Bank of . . . — — Map (db m74731) HM
On Congress St (U.S. 1) close to Church Street, on the left when traveling west.
Until the mid 1800's, most New England churches assigned pews to parishioners by their social rank. Black people, enslaved or free, usually were seated as far as possible from the pulpit.
Negro pews in the North Meetinghouse, which stood here from . . . — — Map (db m115983) HM
On Pearl Street at Hanover Street, on the right on Pearl Street.
In 1915 the congregation of the People's Baptist Church which had been meeting in the South Ward Hall for more than twenty-five years, brought this 1857 building for $1200. Though officially Baptist, its membership was multidenominational. For . . . — — Map (db m115984) HM
Near Submarine Way north of Bypass U.S. 1, on the left when traveling west.
This memorial is dedicated to the 78 men who lost their lives serving their country on the submarine USS Capelin SS289 in the Celebes Sea in December 1943 — — Map (db m186259) WM
On Maplewood Avenue near Vaughan Street, on the right when traveling east.
The town of Portmouth purchased this land in 1753 for 150 pounds from Col. John Hart, Commander of the N.H. Regiment at Louisburg. General William Whipple, signer of the Declaration of Independence, Gov. John Langdon, signer of the Constitution, . . . — — Map (db m74579) HM
Near State Street north of Marcy Street, on the right when traveling north.
Between the late 1600s and the mid-1900s this part of the Piscataqua River waterfront played a significant role in the areas marine commerce and shipbuilding economy.
This is the site of the famous Portsmouth Pier.
Chartered in 1798, the 340-foot . . . — — Map (db m115997) HM
While his father Capt. John Porter, U.S.N.
Commanded the Portsmouth Navy Yard.
Graduated West Point, July 1845
Distinguished himself and was wounded in War with Mexico
1846-1847.
Instructor of Artillery and Cavalry
West Point . . . — — Map (db m94764) HM
On Marcy St. at Court St., on the right when traveling south on Marcy St..
The Oracle House is one of the oldest houses in New England. it was built by the Honorable Richard Wibird, an officer in the British Royal Navy, wealthy merchant, member of The King's Council and a benefactor of Harvard College. — — Map (db m23380) HM
On Pleasant Street at Washington Street, on the left when traveling west on Pleasant Street.
This burial ground was established in 1754 on land deeded to the town of Portsmouth by the Pickering family and situated in a waterfront area once known as "Pickering's Neck." It is the final resting place of many members of Portsmouth’s most . . . — — Map (db m245113) HM
This burial ground has some of the finest Colonial Era gravestones in northern New England. Portsmouth residents patronized Massachusetts gravestone carvers until the early 1800s. Among the artists whose work can be found here are Bostonians . . . — — Map (db m76581) HM
This cemetery was formally established in 1671 on land given to the town by Captain John Pickering. The land was used for burials prior to this time, but because Pickering retained the right to graze his cattle here, many of the earliest . . . — — Map (db m76582) HM
Near Submarine Way north of Business U.S. 1, on the left when traveling west.
In recognition of the dedicated craftsmen of the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard who built and maintain the finest submarines in the world, the crews who sail them and the selfless volunteers whose untiring efforts contribute to the success of Albacore . . . — — Map (db m186282) WM
Near Marcy Street north of Puddle Lane, on the right when traveling north.
The Portsmouth Navy Yard was established in 1800 when the federal government perceived a need to expand the Navy in order to counter French privateer attacks against merchant shipping.
It has served varied functions over the years, first . . . — — Map (db m115967) HM
In 1833 a group of prominent Portsmouth merchants organized The Marine Railway Company and installed a set of tracks from the water to the brick machine house still standing near this site. When coupled with two horses, the machinery would, as the . . . — — Map (db m96681) HM
From the mid-nineteenth century into the early years of the twentieth century, most of Portsmouth's houses of ill-fame and low-class saloons were concentrated on Water Street, (today Marcy Street). City officials and the police gave unofficial . . . — — Map (db m96183) HM
Near State Street north of Marcy Street, on the right when traveling north.
The revival of Portsmouth’s commerce after the American Revolution spurred the development of new roads, bridges, and wharves. In 1795, several leading merchants incorporated as the Proprietors of the Portsmouth Pier.
This private company . . . — — Map (db m116003) HM
On Memorial Park, Route 1 (U.S. 1), in the median.
Honor * Protect* Remember
Plaque 1
Portsmouth Memorial Park Dedicated November 2013 Displayed at the center of this memorial, are the granite foundation abutments that supported the memorial bridge for eighty-eight years, memorializing . . . — — Map (db m85413) WM
Prince, enslaved by General William Whipple and his wife Katharine Moffatt, accompanied the general through several battles of the American Revolution but was not freed until 1784. In 1779, however, Prince and Winsor were two of twenty African-born . . . — — Map (db m115985) HM
Dedicated to those men who made the supreme sacrifice in WWII for God and Country. Robert A. Anderson • James R. Birt • Raymond F. Burns • Paula A. Doble • Russell A. Hanscom • Robert A. Harrison • Guy House • Howard L. Hunt • Peter G. Phillippe . . . — — Map (db m96776) WM
On Mechanic Street, on the left when traveling east.
Sheafe Warehouse is one of America’s best-preserved examples of early 18th century waterfront architecture. It was originally built on interlocked tree trunks known as “cobwork” barely above the level of high tide. An overhanging second . . . — — Map (db m96978) HM
On Pleasant Street south of Court Street, on the left when traveling south.
Siras, in 1783, contracted with John Langdon to serve as a “domestic servant."
Among Langdon's papers, itemized bills for "Siras de Bruce" confirm descriptions of his resplendent, even dazzling attire: white breeches, blue or black coats, silk . . . — — Map (db m115981) HM
On State Street (U.S. 1) east of Middle Street, on the right when traveling east.
In colonial Portsmouth, segregation applied in death as in life. City officials approved a plan in 1705 that set aside this city block for a "Negro Burying Ground." It was close to town, but pushed to what was then its outer edge. By 1813, houses . . . — — Map (db m115977) HM
On Islington Street east of Cabot Street, on the right when traveling east.
(north face)
Gettysburg
In honor of the men
of
Portsmouth
who gave
their services on the
land and on the sea
in the war which
preserved the Union
of the States this
monument is erected
by grateful citizens. . . . — — Map (db m85415) WM
Near Ceres Street north of Bow Street, on the right when traveling north.
The Wharves at Bow and Ceres Streets at the base of Spring Hill (as the site was called) were once bustling hubs of waterfront commerce. Built in the late eighteenth century, the waterfront wharves were most active during the Piscataqua region's . . . — — Map (db m115968) HM
On Bypass U.S. 1 near Submarine Way, on the right when traveling north.
U.S. Navy submarines paid heavily for their success in World War II. A total of 374 officers and 3131 men are on board these 52 U.S. submarines still on “patrol”.
We shall never forget that it was our submarines that held the . . . — — Map (db m149124) WM
On State Street at Penhallow Street on State Street.
First Permanent Jewish House of Worship in New Hampshire Star of David New Hampshire's Jewish community dates back to the pre colonial ear. Temple Israel, established as a formally organized community in 1910, affirmed the American principles . . . — — Map (db m76462) HM
On Middle Street (U.S. 1) north of State Street, on the right when traveling north.
On Rindge’s Wharf, Portsmouth,
May 21, 1776,
six weeks before
The Declaration of Independence,
there was launched
The Continental Frigate “Raleigh,”
the First
American Man-of-War
built on the Piscataqua,
keel laid . . . — — Map (db m115998) HM
Located in Market Square Seat of Colonial Government, 1758 - 1776 The Declaration of Independence was read from the Building, July 18, 1776 President George Washington spoke from the Balcony, October 31, 1789 — — Map (db m76461) HM
This Greek Revival-style church was dedicated on February 15, 1826. Its architect and construction supervisor was Jonathon Folsom, a master builder. The exterior granite was quarried in Rockport, Massachusetts, transported to Portsmouth by water, . . . — — Map (db m96778) HM
September 5, 1905 - A day now commemorated statewide as Portsmouth Peace Treaty Day - marks the signing of the Portsmouth Peace Treaty at the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard. The Treaty brought to a close the first great war of the twentieth century, . . . — — Map (db m76455) HM
On Route 1 Bypass near Submarine Way., on the right when traveling north.
U.S.S. O9 SS-70
June 20, 1941
Dedicated to the shipmates who lost their lives on the U.S. O9 SS-70 off the coast of Portsmouth, New Hampshire
The names of the 33 U.S. Navy submariners and 2 civilian workers aboard are inscribed. . . . — — Map (db m149123) HM
On Route 1 Bypass near Submarine Way, on the right when traveling north.
U.S.S. Squalus SS-192
May 23, 1939
Dedicated to the shipmates who lost their lives on the U.S. Squalus SS-192 off the coast of Portsmouth, New Hampshire
The names of the 22 U.S. Navy submariners and 2 civilian workers aboard are inscribed. . . . — — Map (db m149122) HM
On Maplewood Avenue north of Vaughn Street, on the left when traveling north.
Established in 1844, the gravestones of Union Cemetery contrast with those in neighboring North Cemetery which is almost a century older. Nearly all the stones are white limestone or marble, with Victorian floral relief carving. Some monuments are . . . — — Map (db m245153) HM
On Woodbury Avenue (New Hampshire Route 1) at US 1 Bypass on Woodbury Avenue.
The Bypass was part of a major New Deal project to move U.S. Route 1 traffic away from the congested streets of downtown Portsmouth. The Bypass created a second Piscataqua River crossing into Maine via the Interstate (Sarah M. Long) Bridge. The . . . — — Map (db m235619) HM
Near Submarine Way north of Bypass U.S. 1, on the left when traveling west.
This memorial is dedicated to the 86 men who lost their lives serving their country on the submarine USS Albacore (SS-218) 7 November 1944
Barber, Walter H. Jr. •
Baumer, Kenneth R. •
Bigelow, Henry F. •
Blackmon, Edward B. • . . . — — Map (db m231301) WM
