Founded in 1752, Portsmouth has a rich history and became an independent city in 1858. Its location as an East Coast deepwater port has been the common denominator of the City's development throughout its centuries of growth. Portsmouth, Virginia's historic seaport, is a Coastal Virginia treasure with its collection of antique homes spanning three centuries, its assortment of quirky shops and eclectic, locally-owned restaurants, and a spectacular waterfront along the busy Hampton Roads harbor. It’s an ancient seaport with a decidedly hip vibe.