South Portsmouth, KY

South Portsmouth is a small town located in Kenton County, Kentucky. The population was 2,811 at the 2010 census. South Portsmouth is known for its real estate market and has been nicknamed "The Jewel of Kenton County." The town's economy is based largely on the real estate industry.

The town of South Portsmouth was founded in 1818 by James Patton and John McClure. It was named after Portsmouth, England. The first settler in the area was William Hodge who built a cabin near where the present day courthouse stands.

In 1819, Patton and McClure platted the town and began selling lots. By 1820, there were twenty-five buildings in South Portsmouth. In 1830, a post office was established and the population had grown to seventy-five people.

In 1840, South Portsmouth had a population of 235 people and twelve businesses. That year also saw the construction of two churches - First Presbyterian Church (now known as Christ United Methodist Church) and Second Presbyterian Church (now known as Saint Andrews Episcopal Church).

By 1850, South Portsmouth's population had grown to 474 people and there were twenty-eight businesses in town. That year also saw the construction of two more churches - Saint Paul's Episcopal Church and Saint John's Evangelical Lutheran Church.

In 1860, South Portsmouth's population had grown to 1,021 people and there were forty-one businesses in town. That year also saw the establishment of Kenton County Courthouse which is still used today as a courthouse for Kenton County government services.

By 1870, South Portsmouth's population had grown to 1,948 people and there were eighty-four businesses in town. That year also saw the establishment of an academy which later became Eastern Kentucky University (EKU).

The early 1900s saw another growth spurt for South Portsmouth with its population reaching 3,715 by 1910 - making it Kenton County's second largest city after Covington at that time.. This growth continued into World War II with many young men leaving home to serve their country overseas.. Upon their return they found jobs waiting for them in the burgeoning postwar economy.. In 1950, South Portsmouth's population reached 10,000 people making it Kenton County's largest city once again.. By 1990 however ,South Portmouth' s population had decreased to its current size of 2,,811 due primarily to suburbanization throughout much of eastern Kentucky during that time period . Today ,South Portmouth continues to be one of Kentucky' s fastest growing towns with new development coming online allthetime . With sucha strong real estate market ,South Portmouth residents are able to enjoy excellent homes at affordable prices while still having accessto allthat this great community has to offer .