📍 Location & Geography
Portsmouth is a town located in Newport County, Rhode Island, United States. It is situated on Aquidneck Island, also known as Rhode Island. The town is surrounded by the Sakonnet River to the east, the Narragansett Bay to the west, and the town of Middletown to the south.
🌎 Coordinates
The geographical coordinates of Portsmouth, Rhode Island are approximately 41.60 degrees latitude North and 71.25 degrees longitude West.
🗺️ Region & Area
Portsmouth is part of the New England region of the United States. The town covers a total area of about 59.3 square miles, of which 23.2 square miles is land and 36.1 square miles is water. It is the second largest municipality on Aquidneck Island.
👥 Population & Demographics
According to the United States Census Bureau, Portsmouth had a population of approximately 17,389 people as of 2010. The racial makeup of the town is predominantly White, followed by Asian, African American, and other races. The median age of residents is around 45 years.
🏛️ History
Portsmouth was founded in 1638 by a group of religious dissenters from the Boston colony, including Anne Hutchinson and her followers. It is home to many historic sites, including the Portsmouth Compact monument, which commemorates the establishment of the settlement. The town played a significant role in the American Revolutionary War and is known for the Battle of Rhode Island that took place in 1778.
🏞️ Nature & Environment
Portsmouth boasts a variety of natural attractions. The town is home to several parks and green spaces, including the Melville Ponds City Park and Sandy Point Beach. The Sakonnet Greenway Trail, the longest nature trail on Aquidneck Island, also runs through Portsmouth. The town’s coastal location provides opportunities for boating, fishing, and other water activities.
🏫 Education
The Portsmouth School District serves the town’s students. It includes several elementary schools, Portsmouth Middle School, and Portsmouth High School. The town is also home to the Portsmouth Abbey School, a co-educational Catholic Benedictine boarding and day school.
🚧 Transportation
Portsmouth is served by Rhode Island Public Transit Authority (RIPTA) buses, providing connections to other parts of the state. The town is accessible by road via Rhode Island Route 24 and Route 138. The closest major airport is T.F. Green Airport in Warwick, about 20 miles away.
📜 Trivia & Events
Portsmouth is home to the Newport Polo Club, one of the oldest polo clubs in the United States. The town also hosts the annual Newport Jazz Festival and Newport Folk Festival at Fort Adams State Park. Additionally, Portsmouth is the site of the Green Animals Topiary Garden, the oldest and most northern topiary garden in the United States.