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If you are a history buff and your travel plans include a car trip to Maine, continue to read this blog.
If you are driving north on Interstate 95 heading to Maine, your last town in New Hampshire is Portsmouth. Once you cross the state line you will be in Kittery, Maine. You may associate Portsmouth with the Portsmouth Navy Yard and the Treaty of Portsmouth.
The Portsmouth Naval Shipyard
The Portsmouth Naval Shipyard is the US Navy’s oldest continuously operating shipyard. The shipyard was founded in 1800. Today it focuses on the overhaul, repair, and modernization of nuclear-powered submarines. The shipyard is located along the Piscataqua River which provides access to the Atlantic Ocean.
The Treaty of Portsmouth
The Treaty of Portsmouth was negotiated at the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard in 1905. US President Theodore Roosevelt played a crucial part in the treaty. He was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for his efforts. The treaty ended the Russo-Japanese War. The Treaty recognized Japan’s special interests in Korea and granted it control over the Liaodong Peninsula and economic rights in southern Manchuria, including its railroads. This shifted the power dynamics in East Asia and made Japan a formidable military power.
An Important Clarification
There is one clarification that should be made regarding the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard. It is located on Seavey Island which is in Kittery, Maine.
Please see the third Source below for information on Portsmouth Naval Shipyard Tours. The Tour includes an exhibit on the Treaty of Portsmouth.
Sources
- Wikipedia – Information on Portsmouth Naval Yard.
- Wikipedia – Information on the Treaty of Portsmouth.
- Trips | Kittery Community Center