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By Jonathan Black

PORTSMOUTH – There’s a deep history among the bars and restaurants of Portsmouth’s High Street and its surrounding area.

Homes dating back to the 18th century line the streets of Olde Towne, while the occasional blast of a ship horn sounds from the Elizabeth River. It’s a reminder of why the town even exists, when shipbuilder John Wood marked the land for his industry as early as 1620. It would take another 132 years for the area to be recognized as a town.