Senator Hassan Honors Portsmouth’s 400th Anniversary with a Congressional Record Statement
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Maggie Hassan honored the 400th Anniversary of the City of Portsmouth in the official Congressional Record. In the statement, Senator Hassan pays tribute to the city’s history, as well as the community that makes it so special.
Key excerpts:
“For four centuries, Portsmouth has endured as one our country's oldest and most vital cities, continuing to serve as a pillar for New Hampshire's economy and culture—and for our country's national security. From its founding in 1623, Portsmouth has served as one of New England’s most important trade ports, helping develop and sustain the region’s economy and, at one time, even served as New Hampshire’s capital.
“In the 400 years since 1623, Portsmouth continues to be a wonderful place to live – and it is a premier destination for trade and tourism, boasting some of the finest breweries and seafood in the country.
“Portsmouth has endured for four centuries because, across generations, people have believed in the city's promise, worked hard to keep the community strong, and remained dedicated to the notion that Portsmouth's best days are always ahead.”
Full text of the Congressional Record statement can be found here and below:
400th Anniversary of Portsmouth, New Hampshire
Mr. President, today it is my privilege to recognize the 400th anniversary of the city of Portsmouth, NH. For four centuries, Portsmouth has endured as one our country's oldest and most vital cities, continuing to serve as a pillar for New Hampshire's economy and culture--and for our country's national security.
From its founding in 1623, Portsmouth has served as one of New England's most important trade ports, helping develop and sustain the region's economy and, at one time, even served as New Hampshire's capital. Portsmouth first started as Strawbery Banke, an early settlement that evolved into a maritime hub and led Portsmouth to become the iconic city that it is today. In the 400 years since 1623, Portsmouth continues to be a wonderful place to live – and it is a premier destination for trade and tourism, boasting some of the finest breweries and seafood in the country. Portsmouth is in part why New Hampshire attracts millions of tourists each year.
Portsmouth has also been instrumental in building and maintaining the U.S. Navy, through the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard, as well as providing a key installation for the U.S. Air Force with the Pease Air Force Base, which is now home to the finest Air National Guard in the country. In New Hampshire, our motto is “Live Free or Die,” and Granite Staters in Portsmouth have embodied that spirit since our country's beginning. The Portsmouth Naval Shipyard built and launched John Paul Jones and the USS Ranger in the American Revolutionary War – one of the founding vessels of the U.S. Navy – and was a one-time home to the famed USS Constitution. The shipbuilders and dockworkers in Portsmouth have built and maintained vessels that served in conflicts from the Revolutionary War through today, including playing a decisive role in building our submarine fleet in World War II. Across distant seas and faraway tides, ships built in Portsmouth – powered by everything from winds to atoms – have helped ensure that Granite Staters and all Americans can continue to live free.
The people of Portsmouth also know that inclusiveness is a virtue and a key to our State and our country's strength. As we mark the 400th anniversary of the city of Portsmouth, we also recognize that the Wabanaki people have long called this region their home, thousands of years before the establishment of Portsmouth. Over the years, a diverse group of people and communities have all made Portsmouth's culture richer and more vibrant. I am grateful for those who are shining a light on all parts of Portsmouth's history, especially the Black Heritage Trail of New Hampshire. The organization has helped make more Granite Staters aware of the long and rich history of New Hampshire's Black community, including in Portsmouth, and deepened our appreciation of the diversity that has made Portsmouth – and New Hampshire – stronger year after year.
While much of Portsmouth has changed over the last four centuries, it still never fails to capture the hearts and imaginations of those who visit. Anyone who has visited Portsmouth even once knows that it is not an easy place to forget. Everyone who has walked Portsmouth's streets, toured the Strawbery Banke Museum to explore our history, taken in a live performance in Prescott Park or the Music Hall, tasted our fresh seafood, or even simply looked out at the Piscataqua River and breathed in the salty ocean air, knows that Portsmouth is a special place.
Portsmouth has endured for four centuries because, across generations, people have believed in the city's promise, worked hard to keep the community strong, and remained dedicated to the notion that Portsmouth's best days are always ahead.
On behalf of Congress and all Granite Staters, I offer my congratulations to the city of Portsmouth on this incredible milestone, and encourage people from across our country to visit this great American city.
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