Towns and Cities named Portsmouth
The City of Portsmouth, England was founded in 1194, but since then other towns and cities have also been named Portsmouth, below are the details of some of them. If you live in, or know of other Portsmouths please let us know, so that we can include them here.
Portsmouth, Dominica
Portsmouth is a vibrant coastal town located on the northwest coast of Dominica, a Caribbean island known for its natural beauty. It is the second largest town on the island and serves as a key hub for tourism and commerce.
Nestled between the Caribbean Sea and the foothills of Dominica’s mountainous interior, Portsmouth is known for its picturesque setting. The town is home to the Cabrits National Park, which features the historic Fort Shirley, an 18th century British garrison offering panoramic views of the area. This park is a major attraction, drawing visitors interested in history, hiking, and wildlife.
Portsmouth also boasts beautiful beaches, such as Purple Turtle Beach, which are popular for swimming, sunbathing, and water sports. The town is close to the Indian River, one of Dominica's famous natural attractions, where visitors can take guided boat tours through its lush mangroves.
The town has a lively market and a range of local restaurants and bars that offer a taste of Dominican culture and cuisine. The presence of Ross University School of Medicine has also added to Portsmouth’s international character, bringing students from around the world to the area.
- Population: approx 4,000
- Location: 15.5536° N, 61.4728° W
Portsmouth, Kingston, Canada
Portsmouth is a historic neighborhood in Kingston, Ontario, Canada. Located along the shores of Lake Ontario, just west of Kingston's downtown, Portsmouth is known for its picturesque setting, charming streets, and deep connection to the city’s maritime and penal history.
Founded in the 1780s, Portsmouth originally developed as a separate village before being incorporated into Kingston. The area is notable for its historic architecture, including stone cottages and Victorian-era homes, which reflect its early settlement period.
One of the most prominent landmarks in Portsmouth is the Kingston Penitentiary, a former maximum-security prison that operated from 1835 to 2013. The penitentiary is now a national historic site and offers tours, providing insight into Canada's penal history. Nearby, the Portsmouth Olympic Harbour, built for the 1976 Summer Olympics, serves as a marina and a venue for various boating activities and events.
The neighborhood has a quaint, village like atmosphere, with local parks, small shops, and cafes contributing to its charm. Portsmouth Village remains a beloved part of Kingston, offering a blend of historical significance and scenic waterfront living.
- Population: Not known, but Kingston is approx 135,000
- Location: 44.2335° N, 76.4870° W
Portsmouth, Iowa, USA
Portsmouth is a small, rural town in Shelby County, Iowa, USA. With a close knit community and a population of just a few hundred people, Portsmouth embodies the charm and quiet lifestyle typical of many small Midwestern towns.
The town is primarily agricultural, surrounded by farmland that contributes to the local economy. Portsmouth's layout features a few main streets with local businesses, a post office, and community buildings, including a church and a town hall. The town has a relaxed pace of life, with community events and gatherings playing a significant role in bringing residents together.
Though small, Portsmouth is known for its strong sense of community and local pride, with residents often participating in local sports, festivals, and volunteer activities. The town's rural setting offers scenic views of the Iowa countryside, characterized by rolling fields and open skies.
- Population: approx 300
- Location: 41.6116° N, 95.3396° W
Portsmouth, New Hampshire, USA
Portsmouth, New Hampshire, is a charming coastal city located along the Piscataqua River near the Atlantic Ocean. Founded in 1623, it is one of the oldest cities in the United States and is known for its well preserved historic architecture, vibrant arts scene, and maritime heritage.
The city’s downtown area is a lively hub of activity, featuring cobblestone streets, colonial era buildings, and a variety of shops, restaurants, and galleries. Portsmouth is home to many historic sites, including the Strawbery Banke Museum, a living history museum that showcases life in the region from the 17th century onward, and the Portsmouth Harbor Lighthouse.
Portsmouth also offers scenic waterfront views, with parks like Prescott Park providing green spaces for relaxation and events, such as outdoor concerts and festivals. The city's proximity to the ocean makes it a popular destination for boating, fishing, and other seaside activities.
Portsmouth has a strong cultural identity, with a thriving arts community, numerous theaters, and regular cultural events. Its blend of history, coastal charm, and modern amenities makes it a popular destination for visitors and a desirable place to live.
- Population: approx 22,000
- Location: 3.0711° N, 70.7626° W
Portsmouth, Ohio, USA

Portsmouth is a city in southern Ohio, United States, located along the Ohio River near the confluence with the Scioto River. It serves as the county seat of Scioto County and has a rich history tied to the development of the region.
Founded in the early 19th century, Portsmouth grew rapidly during the industrial era, largely due to its strategic location as a transportation hub. The city's position along the Ohio River made it an important center for shipping and trade, particularly in industries like steel, shoe manufacturing, and rail transport.
Portsmouth is known for its historic architecture, including beautiful old homes and significant buildings, as well as its downtown area, which features a mix of shops, restaurants, and cultural sites. One of the city's most notable attractions is the Portsmouth Floodwall Murals, a series of over 50 murals that depict the history of the area and its people, painted on the floodwalls along the riverfront. These murals have become a symbol of the city's resilience and artistic spirit.
- Population: approx 20,000
- Location: 38.7331° N, 82.7640° W
Portsmouth, Rhode Island, USA
Portsmouth is a scenic town located on Aquidneck Island in Newport County, Rhode Island, USA. Founded in 1638, it is one of the oldest settlements in the United States and is known for its rich history, coastal beauty, and charming New England character.
Portsmouth offers a mix of rural landscapes, historic homes, and waterfront views. The town's location along the Sakonnet River and Narragansett Bay provides ample opportunities for boating, fishing, and other water-based activities. The area is dotted with marinas, beaches, and nature preserves, making it a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts.
Historical sites in Portsmouth include the Green Animals Topiary Garden, the oldest topiary garden in the United States, and several colonial-era buildings that reflect the town's deep historical roots. Portsmouth is also home to the Portsmouth Historical Society, which preserves and shares the town's history through exhibits and events.
The town has a peaceful, residential feel, with a mix of old farmhouses, modern homes, and quaint village centers. Portsmouth is known for its community spirit, with local events, farmers' markets, and festivals contributing to its vibrant local culture.
- Population: approx 18,000
- Location: 41.6184° N, 71.2528° W
Portsmouth Virginia, USA

Portsmouth Virginia was founded as a town in 1752, on 65 acres of land on the shores of the Elizabeth River.
It was founded by William Crawford, often referred to as "Colonel Crawford", a wealthy merchant and ship owner who held office as the Norfolk County presiding court judge, high sheriff, militia lieutenant colonel and representative to the House of Burgesses.
The 65 acres were part of Colonel Crawford's extensive plantation and were constituted as a town by an enabling act of the General Assembly of Virginia.
The town was named after the English naval port of the same name, and many of the streets of the new town reflected the English heritage, it was separated from the county government and given status as an independent city in 1858. Its location as an East Coast deep water port has been the common denominator of the City's development throughout its centuries of growth.
- Population: approx 95,000
- Location: 36.8354° N, 76.2983° W
Portsmouth, West Yorkshire
The village of Portsmouth, located in West Yorkshire on the A646 is a rural village within the Calderdale district, situated between the towns of Todmorden and Hebden Bridge. Portsmouth is part of the scenic Calder Valley, known for its picturesque landscapes, rolling hills, and historic mill towns.
The village itself is relatively small and is characterised by its traditional stone cottages and the surrounding countryside, which is popular for walking and outdoor activities. The village was historically located in Lancashire, but due boundary changes is now part of Calderdale, West Yorkshire.
The nearby towns of Hebden Bridge and Todmorden provide additional facilities, shops, and cultural activities, making Portsmouth a quiet residential area with easy access to the more vibrant local communities in the Calder Valley.
- Population: approx 300
- Location: 53.7270° N, 1.9380° W