Portsmouth, OH
Music connected to Portsmouth
About Portsmouth
- • Roy Rogers, the "King of the Cowboys," was born Leonard Slye in Portsmouth.
- • Branch Rickey, who broke baseball's color barrier, started his professional career here.
- • Its strategic location on the Ohio River propelled Portsmouth into a vital trade hub.
- • A 1930s flood submerged much of the city, leading to the floodwall construction.
- • The city was named after Portsmouth, England, in 1803 when it was established.
- • With around 17,500 residents, the population is smaller than in decades past.
- • At 535 feet above sea level, the flat riverfront gives way to surrounding hills.
- • Healthcare and social assistance are major sectors in Portsmouth's economy.
- • A palpable sense of history and resilience lingers in the air.
- • The Cincinnati Reds, about 100 miles away, won the World Series in 1990.
- • The Portsmouth Spartans, an NFL team, played here in 1930 and 1931.
- • The Shawnee State Bears compete in the NAIA with a strong basketball program.