One of our favorite cities to visit for lunch is Portsmouth, NH. Only an hour north of Boston, it has a number of really cute stores and restaurants and, more importantly, cheap parking! Recently, Portsmouth put up a new memorial on Chestnut Street after excavation revealed a hidden secret.

 

The Backstory

During construction in October of 2003, something unexpected showed up as the dirt was being removed: the remains of wooden coffins.  Located near the spot that old maps had marked as a “Negro Burying Ground,” eventually discovering the remains of 13 individuals. These are but a fraction of the potential 200 burials that are in this area of the city.

Though the coffins were fairly intact, the bones of these individuals were highly fragile. One woman was only represented through a lower jawbone with her incisors removed, indicating that she was from West Africa.  The first known black person in Portsmouth came from West Africa in 1645. By 1708, there were 70 enslaved Africans in the colony of New Hampshire. In 1775, there were a total of 656 slaves.

Just 4 years after the start of the American Revolution, a group of enslaved Africans from Portsmouth signed a petition to the New Hampshire Council and House of Representatives asking for their freedom.  Unfortunately, this petition would be ignored.

 

As state constitutions began to be created throughout the newly created United States, many used similar language declaring that “all men are born equal and independent.” While some enslaved individuals used this language to force their freedom through the courts, New Hampshire’s slavery gradually disappeared. By 1840, there was only one slave listed in the census rolls of Portsmouth.

This rediscovery of such a historic site has helped the black community of Portsmouth connect with their ancestors.  It also is the only known African-American cemetery of its age that has had this level of investigation.

 

The Site

An open air memorial to these no longer forgotten people, visitors are greeted with a large sculpture of two individuals divided by a stone wall.  On the left, is a representative of the first enslaved man brought to Portsmouth. As he reaches around the stone, his hand stretches out to try and grasp that of the woman on the back side. Representing Africa, she leans towards the man’s hand, hoping to grasp it in return.

What to know before you go:

 

• Parking: is on street or in the garage about 2 blocks away on Hanover Street. 900 spaces, so nice and spacious, yet cheap! $1.25 per hour and open 24 hours a day.

 

• Where to eat: The Portsmouth Brewery is our go-to place! Great beer and cider selection, tasty sandwiches, and always a good game on the TV.

 

• Where else to go in the area: Strawberry Banke Museum is amazing if you would like to experience living history! Highly recommended. Looking to go to the beach? Drive just another 20 or so minutes north to Long Sands Beach in York, ME. Parking is on street for $0.25 for 15 minutes each. Just be aware that at high tide, much of the beach disappears.

LINKS:

African Burying Ground of Portsmouth, NH

Portsmouth Black Heritage Trail