Portsmouth, << PAWRTS muhth >> (pop. 21,956), is the chief seaport on the coast of New Hampshire. It is a commercial center of southeastern New Hampshire. Portsmouth is part of the Boston metropolitan area, which has a population of 4,941,632. Portsmouth was founded as Strawbery Banke in 1630 and was incorporated as a city in 1849. It lies at the mouth of the Piscataqua River. The Portsmouth Naval Shipyard and the Isles of Shoals are nearby. The city has a number of corporate offices and financial institutions. Its attractions include Strawbery Banke, a restored historic area, and many houses dating from the 1700’s or early 1800’s. The city has a council-manager form of government.
See also Portsmouth Naval Shipyard .
