Founded in 1959, the Portsmouth Republican City Committee serves as the official arm of the NH Republican Party’s operations in the city of Portsmouth, NH. The committee is charged with promoting the ideals and policies of the Republican Party in the City of Portsmouth and surrounding communities, and with supporting Republican candidates at the local, state, and national level.
The Committee has general meetings once a month, along with other occasional social events. The Committee also coordinates door knocking, phone banks, letter writing and other support for Republican candidates and Republican policies. To get all of the updates on the Committee’s activities, please join our email list.
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History
Early Beginnings and Settlement
- Indigenous Inhabitants: Long before Europeans arrived, the area that is now Portsmouth was home to the Abenaki people, who utilized the rivers and coastline for fishing, trading, and travel.
- Founding and Naming: Europeans began settling along the Piscataqua River in the early 17th century, drawn by the region’s abundant natural resources. The settlement that would become Portsmouth started around 1630, initially called Strawbery Banke (due to the wild strawberries growing along the riverbanks). In 1653, the town was officially named Portsmouth, after the port city of Portsmouth in Hampshire, England.
Colonial and Revolutionary Era
- Commercial and Maritime Hub: By the mid-1600s, Portsmouth grew into a key shipbuilding and trading port. Its deep, ice-free harbor and strategic coastal location made it an essential commercial center in colonial New England.
- Influence on Governance: Portsmouth’s prosperity and port status attracted merchants, ship captains, and influential families, fostering significant political and cultural influence. Wealthy residents helped shape the region’s governance, laying the groundwork for an organized local government and civic life.
- Revolutionary War: Before the Revolution, Portsmouth’s merchants and sailors, feeling the impact of British trade restrictions, became increasingly vocal about independence. In December 1774, local patriots staged one of the first open acts of rebellion in the Thirteen Colonies by raiding Fort William and Mary (in nearby New Castle) for gunpowder and arms—an event predating the battles of Lexington and Concord.
19th Century Growth and Prosperity
- Shipbuilding and Trade: Throughout the 1800s, shipbuilding continued to be central to Portsmouth’s economy. Vessels constructed along the Piscataqua serviced both national and international trade routes.
- Portsmouth Naval Shipyard: Although technically located on Seavey’s Island in Kittery, Maine, the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard (established in 1800) has long been associated with Portsmouth. It played—and continues to play—a critical role in maritime defense and ship repair, further cementing the region’s economic vitality.
- Cultural Development: The 19th century also saw the construction of many of Portsmouth’s architectural gems, including grand brick mansions and stately churches. Such buildings reflected the city’s wealth and stature as a bustling hub for business and culture.
Early 20th Century and Modernization
- Treaty of Portsmouth (1905): One of Portsmouth’s most significant moments on the world stage was hosting the negotiations that ended the Russo-Japanese War. President Theodore Roosevelt mediated the peace talks, which took place at the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard; the resulting Treaty of Portsmouth earned Roosevelt the Nobel Peace Prize.
- Industrial Shifts: As the 20th century progressed, traditional shipbuilding faced competition from larger industrial centers. Although many maritime trades declined, the naval shipyard continued to modernize, remaining a cornerstone of the local economy.
- Preserving History: Local efforts to celebrate Portsmouth’s colonial roots took shape in the early 1900s, ultimately leading to the preservation and restoration of historic neighborhoods—most notably Strawbery Banke, which is now an acclaimed living history museum.
Later 20th Century to Present
- Economic Diversification: In the post–World War II era, Portsmouth diversified its economy beyond shipping and defense. Service industries, tourism, technology, and small businesses contributed to a broader economic base.
- Historic Preservation and Tourism: Recognizing its unique past and charming downtown, Portsmouth embraced historic preservation, turning its colonial streetscapes, waterfront, and restored buildings into major attractions. Tourism, alongside the arts and culinary scene, remains a vital part of the city’s modern identity.
- Vibrant Community: Today, Portsmouth blends small-town New England charm with a cosmopolitan energy. Festivals, cultural events, and a thriving local business scene support a dynamic quality of life. The city retains its maritime heritage while fostering innovation and progress.
Political and Civic Engagement
- Local Government Traditions: From its early days, Portsmouth has maintained a tradition of civic engagement and local governance. Citizen involvement in town meetings and local boards has shaped political discourse and municipal decision-making for centuries.
- Modern-Day Civic Landscape: Portsmouth’s active political culture includes community organizations, grassroots groups, and party committees that meet to support local, state, and national causes—demonstrating the enduring spirit of public participation that has characterized the city since its founding.
With its fascinating blend of history, culture, and civic life, Portsmouth continues to be one of New England’s most historically significant and vibrant communities. Its legacy of maritime prowess, revolutionary action, and political engagement endures into the present, making Portsmouth a place where history informs the future and civic pride thrives.he remembers.