Where is Portsmouth, Ohio

Portsmouth is a city in southern Ohio and the county seat of Scioto County. It sits at the confluence of the Ohio and Scioto rivers, about 90 miles south of Columbus and 90 miles east of Cincinnati. The city is known for its riverfront setting, historic murals, Shawnee State University, and its location near the Appalachian foothills.

Location Map of Portsmouth, Scioto County, Ohio

About Map: The map shows the location of Portsmouth in Scioto County, in the U.S. state of Ohio.

Portsmouth Map, Ohio

Where is Portsmouth Located?

Portsmouth is a city located in Scioto County, Ohio, the United States. It lies in southern Ohio at the confluence of the Ohio and Scioto rivers, directly across the Ohio River from Kentucky. The city is about 90 miles south of Columbus and roughly 90 miles east of Cincinnati. Wheelersburg is around 5 miles west, while Jackson is about 25 miles north. Portsmouth is positioned near 38.731° North latitude and 82.998° West longitude. The 2020 Census recorded 20,226 residents. The city covers about 11.08 square miles, or 28.70 square kilometers. Portsmouth was founded in 1803 and incorporated in 1815. Its location at the meeting point of two major rivers helped establish it as an important transportation, trade, and industrial center. Railroads later strengthened the city's connection with other communities across the Ohio Valley. Portsmouth's riverfront remains an important part of its identity, while the surrounding hills mark the transition from the Ohio River Valley into the Appalachian region. A unique feature of the city is the Portsmouth Floodwall Murals, a series of large outdoor paintings depicting local history from prehistoric times through the modern era. Shawnee State University is also located in Portsmouth and serves as an important educational and cultural institution. Nearby Shawnee State Forest provides opportunities for hiking, fishing, boating, camping, and wildlife viewing. US-23 and US-52 provide major transportation links to Columbus, Cincinnati, Huntington, and other Ohio Valley communities.

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Portsmouth City Facts

Distance from Portsmouth, OH to Nearby Cities

• Wheelersburg, OH – 5 miles (8 km)
• South Shore, KY – 5 miles (8 km)
• New Boston, OH – 7 miles (11 km)
• Jackson, OH – 25 miles (40 km)
• Ironton, OH – 25 miles (40 km)
• Ashland, KY – 35 miles (56 km)
• Huntington, WV – 45 miles (72 km)
• Chillicothe, OH – 50 miles (80 km)
• Gallipolis, OH – 45 miles (72 km)
• Maysville, KY – 65 miles (105 km)
• Athens, OH – 65 miles (105 km)
• Charleston, WV – 80 miles (129 km)
• Cincinnati, OH – 90 miles (145 km)
• Columbus, OH – 90 miles (145 km)
• Lexington, KY – 100 miles (161 km)
• Dayton, OH – 125 miles (201 km)
• Louisville, KY – 140 miles (225 km)
• Cleveland, OH – 190 miles (306 km)

Top Attractions in Portsmouth

• Portsmouth Floodwall Murals – A remarkable series of large murals along the floodwall depicting the history of Portsmouth and the surrounding Ohio River Valley.
• Shawnee State University – A public university in Portsmouth offering educational programs and serving as an important cultural and community institution.
• Southern Ohio Museum and Cultural Center – A museum featuring regional art, archaeology, history, and exhibits about southern Ohio.
• Portsmouth Riverfront – The Ohio River waterfront provides scenic views, walking areas, parks, and opportunities for boating and fishing.
• Shawnee State Forest – A large forested recreation area near Portsmouth with hiking trails, lakes, camping, fishing, boating, and wildlife habitat.
• Market Square Historic District – A historic downtown area with older commercial buildings and landmarks reflecting Portsmouth's development.
• Portsmouth Brewing Company – A historic downtown building and local gathering place connected to the city's commercial heritage.
• Shawnee State Park – A nearby recreation area centered on Roosevelt Lake, offering hiking, boating, fishing, camping, and scenic wooded landscapes.

Airports Near Portsmouth, OH

• Tri-State Airport (HTS) – 45 miles
• Greater Portsmouth Regional Airport (PMH) – 10 miles
• John Glenn Columbus International Airport (CMH) – 95 miles
• Yeager Airport (CRW) – 90 miles
• Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport (CVG) – 100 miles

Sources:

Population and area data sourced from the United States Census Bureau (2020 Census). General city information referenced from the official Portsmouth city website and local government records.

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