Geography of Portsmouth
Portsmouth, Virginia, a city in the southeastern part of the state. It is on the Elizabeth River and Hampton Roads, about 75 miles (120 km) southeast of Richmond. Tunnels and bridges connect the city with Norfolk across the river. The Norfolk Naval Shipyard and other nearby naval installations employ many of Portsmouth's residents. Portsmouth is part of the Port of Hampton Roads and is a commercial fishing and seafood-processing center.
The area was settled by the English in 1620, but the town was not laid out until 1752. Shipbuilding became the leading activity, and the naval shipyard was set up in 1767. Much of Portsmouth's history is connected with the shipyard, which played an important role in both the Revolutionary War and the Civil War. Portsmouth became a city in 1858, and has the council-manager form of government.
Population: 100,565.
