Seeing Portsmouth as President Washington Did

On Thursday, 26 June, Historic New England is offering a special walking tour of Portsmouth, New Hampshire, focusing on sites that George Washington saw in his one visit to the city in 1789.

At the time, Washington had just been elected President, and was visiting all the states to acknowledge and shore up their support. I think his tour recalled the “royal progress” that monarchs made around their realms, and if American civic culture had gone the way of an imperial presidency, Washington’s trip might be regarded that way instead of as a forerunner of campaign tours.

This Portsmouth tour ends at the mansion of Gov. John Langdon, Washington’s host in 1789, where there will be a wine and cheese reception. The cost is $15 for members, $25 for non-members. Historic New England recommends reserving a spot in advance, way down on this page.

Along the way to that listing, you’ll plenty of other Historic New England events this summer, focusing on a variety of periods and places.