The Ohio River floodwaters account for Portsmouth's settlement.
Alexandria, the county's first town, was laid out in 1799 on the
west bank of the Scioto at its confluence with the Ohio. Early settlers in
Alexandria were forced to higher ground across the river in
Portsmouth because of frequent flooding. As a result, Portsmouth,
platted in 1803, became Scioto County''s seat and business center
by 1814. Prominent local industries included brick, stone, steel,
wood products, and shoe manufacturing. As of 2003, the
Ohio
River is the cornerstone of Portsmouth's transportation system,
providing a means for materials to reach destinations throughout the
region. It also serves as a recreation hub. The three mile long
levee, first built in 1908, failed in the 1937 flood and was
subsequently improved.
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