Place Information
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Portsmouth is a town in Newport County, Rhode Island, United States. The population was 17,149 at the 2000 census. Portsmouth's ZIP code is 02871. History
Portsmouth was settled in 1638 by Anne Hutchinson and her followers, after Portsmouth, Hampshire, England. It was founded by the signers of the Portsmouth Compact, including Anne Hutchinson's husband William Hutchinson. Its original Indian name was Pocasset. It was officially named Portsmouth on May 12, 1639. It became part of the colony of Rhode Island (see Aquidneck Island) and eventually of the colony of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations and the state that bears that name. Portsmouth is the site of an important capture during the American War for Independence. Lieutenant Colonel William Barton of Rhode island captured the British Commander-in-Chief, General Richard Prescott there. It is also the site of Rhode Island's only major battle in that war on Butt's Hill. It's said that nearby Founder's Brook ran red with the blood of fallen British soldiers on August 29, 1778. During the Battle of Rhode Island the 1st Rhode Island Regiment, which comprised mostly African-American soldiers, served in the army of Gen. John Sullivan. Former NFL runningback Mike Cloud starred at Portsmouth High School from 1990-1994, before going onto star at Boston College, and eventually play for the Kansas City Chiefs, New England Patriots, and New York Giants. Portsmouth High School (formerly Fort Butt's Junior High) was built adjacent to the battle site. Research Tips
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