History of Portsmouth Told Through Photographs

June 2, 2011 - PRLog -- The newest addition to Arcadia Publishing’s Postcard History series is Portsmouth from local authors Keith and Pam Atkins. The book boasts more than 200 vintage postcards and memories of days gone by.

In 1752, the General Assembly of Virginia passed an act approving Col. William Crawford's survey for a town, which he would name Portsmouth after his hometown in England. Crawford envisioned a port that would be known for its commerce and naval capabilities.

Today Portsmouth is home to the nation's oldest naval shipyard and naval hospital. The roots of the U.S. Coast Guard were established here when the nation's first lightship was placed offshore at Craney Island in 1820. "Olde Towne" and other residential sections of the city remain mostly intact, with picturesque dwellings from the 18th and 19th centuries. Strolling around the downtown district, one can still admire the many churches, theaters, and commercial structures that have been a part of Portsmouth's history and culture.

Keith Atkins, a youth counselor and commissioner on the Portsmouth History Commission, and Pam Atkins, a retired teacher, have lived in Portsmouth since childhood. They are members of the Portsmouth Historical Association and the Hampton Roads Postcard Club.

Highlights of Portsmouth:
•   Downtown
•   Churches, schools and hospitals
•   People in uniform

Available at area bookstores, independent retailers, and online retailers, or through Arcadia Publishing at www.arcadiapublishing.com or
(888)-313-2665.  

Arcadia Publishing is the leading publisher of local and regional history in the United States.  Our mission is to make history accessible and meaningful through the publication of books on the heritage of America’s people and places.  Have we done a book on your town?  Visit www.arcadiapublishing.com.

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With more than 6,000 local history titles published to date, Arcadia Publishing is the leading publisher of local and regional history in the United States. Widely recognized sepia books feature hundreds of vintage historical images.