Portsmouth, Virginia
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Portsmouth is an independent city located in Virginia. As of the 2000 census, the city had a total population of 100,565, but a July 1, 2002 Census estimate showed the city's population dropping to 99,790.
A Virginia state legislator recently proposed a plan by which Portsmouth would merge with its neighbor cities of Norfolk and Suffolk. After a cold reception from Suffolk, the legislator changed the plan so that it would merge only Portsmouth and Norfolk. The plan, in any form, is enthusiastically embraced in Portsmouth, which has virtually no room for growth and a radically limited tax base. A large portion of the city is controlled by the U.S. Navy; when Navy facilities are combined with schools, churches, and other tax-exempt entities, over half of Portsmouth's assessed valuation is off the tax rolls.
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Geography
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Location of Portsmouth, Virginia
Portsmouth is located at 36°49'52" North, 76°20'44" West (36.831298, -76.345641)Template:GR.
According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 120.7 km² (46.6 mi²). 85.9 km² (33.2 mi²) of it is land and 34.9 km² (13.5 mi²) of it is water. The total area is 28.87% water.
Demographics
As of the censusTemplate:GR of 2000, there are 100,565 people, 38,170 households, and 25,497 families residing in the city. The population density is 1,170.9/km² (3,032.7/mi²). There are 41,605 housing units at an average density of 484.4/km² (1,254.7/mi²). The racial makeup of the city is 45.84% White, 50.61% African American, 0.48% Native American, 0.77% Asian, 0.07% Pacific Islander, 0.61% from other races, and 1.62% from two or more races. 1.74% of the population are Hispanic or Latino of any race.
There are 38,170 households out of which 30.6% have children under the age of 18 living with them, 41.1% are married couples living together, 20.9% have a female householder with no husband present, and 33.2% are non-families. 27.5% of all households are made up of individuals and 10.8% have someone living alone who is 65 years of age or older. The average household size is 2.51 and the average family size is 3.05.
In the city the population is spread out with 25.7% under the age of 18, 11.1% from 18 to 24, 29.1% from 25 to 44, 20.3% from 45 to 64, and 13.8% who are 65 years of age or older. The median age is 34 years. For every 100 females there are 93.5 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there are 90.6 males.
The median income for a household in the city is $33,742, and the median income for a family is $39,577. Males have a median income of $30,122 versus $23,375 for females. The per capita income for the city is $16,507. 16.2% of the population and 13.3% of families are below the poverty line. Out of the total population, 24.7% of those under the age of 18 and 10.7% of those 65 and older are living below the poverty line.
History
Shires to counties 1634-1691
During the 17th century, shortly after establishment of the Jamestown Settlement in 1607, English settlers and explored and began settling the areas adjacent to Hampton Roads. By 1634, the English colony of Virginia consisted of eight shires or counties with a total population of approximately 5,000 inhabitants. One of these was Elizabeth River Shire, which included an area on both sides of Hampton Roads. The northern portion became Elizabeth City County in 1643, and is now incorporated into the independent city of Hampton.
In 1636 the southern portion of Elizabeth River Shire became New Norfolk County. King Charles I of England is credited with naming New Norfolk County. This area was divided again in 1637 into Upper and Lower Norfolk Counties.
Norfolk County: 1691-1871
In 1691 Lower Norfolk County was in turn divided to form Norfolk County and Princess Anne County (which became the independent city of Virginia Beach in 1963).
Captain Adam Thoroughgood (1604-1640) is credited with naming Norfolk County. Thoroughgood was a prominent resident of the colony. Like so many others at that time, he had been born in England and migrated to Virginia, and named the new county after his original "home" county back across the Atlantic Ocean.
After 1691, Norfolk County remained more or less intact for almost 200 years. The towns of Norfolk and Portsmouth became its major areas of commerce, with smaller towns formed at Berkley and South Norfolk.
An independent city: 1871
After the American Civil War, in 1871, Virginia's constitution was revised to provide for independent cities, which were not located within a county as cities had been (and towns still are). Portsmouth, already a city since 1858, became an independent city with this new law, as did the City of Norfolk.
In 1963, Norfolk County consolidated itself with the independent City of South Norfolk to form a new independent city, Chesapeake. When Nansemond County became an independent city also in 1972, and merged with the City of Suffolk in 1974, Portsmouth became landlocked, surrounded by other cities with nowhere to expand.
Norfolk Naval Shipyard
America's oldest and largest naval shipyard is located on the Portsmouth waterfront. Founded in 1767, the Norfolk Navy Yard has been burned 3 times by retreating armies because of its strategic importance. Historic ships have been built here, including one of the first ironclads to engage in battle, the nation's first battleship, and the world's first aircraft carrier. The Naval Shipyard Museum at 2 High Street tells the full story.
External links
- City of Portsmouth official website (http://www.portsmouth.va.us/)
- Portsmouth Virginia Guide (http://www.baydreaming.com/portsmouth.htm)