Portsmouth, Ohio

The City of Portsmouth is the county seat of Scioto County, Ohio. Located in southern Ohio at the confluence of the Ohio, Scioto and Little Scioto Rivers, Portsmouth has a population of nearly 21,000. In recent decades, Portsmouth has shifted from manufacturing to a more service-based economy, with Southern Ohio Medical Center and Shawnee State University being among the top employers. Local landmarks include the Columbia Theater, Spartan Stadium, and the Scioto County Courthouse.

Portsmouth was founded in 1803, and incorporated as a city in 1815. The Ohio and Erie Canal, and later the railroads, promoted both industrial and population growth. The discovery of a local deposit of fireclay in 1859 led to the establishment of several firebrick makers, including McConnell, Porter & Company and Scioto Valley Firebrick Company. Around the turn of the century, shoe manufacture became a prominent industry in Portsmouth. Irving Drew, who founded the Drew Shoe Corporation in 1875, joined with George Selby to form the Drew-Selby in 1880. In 1906, George Selby split off to found the Selby Shoe Company, which continued in business until 1957. Drew moved its factory to Lancaster, Ohio, following the Great Flood of 1937, and today manufactures therapeutic footwear. In 1910, the Excelsior Shoe Company was licensed to manufacture a line of official Boy Scout Shoes, which came with a keepsake metal token. Mitchellace was founded in 1902 as the world's largest shoelace manufacturer. The company now operates as Sole Choice, Inc., making a variety of footwear accessories. Manufacturing in Portsmouth has declined steadily since the 1950s, with healthcare and education now forming a significant portion of the economy.

Portsmouth has a diverse history of manufacturing and construction activity during a period when asbestos-containing materials were widely used. Exposure to asbestos may put workers at risk for mesothelioma and other asbestos-related illnesses. Mesothelioma doctors in and around Portsmouth are listed at the bottom of this page. If you were exposed to asbestos in Portsmouth, you may benefit from seeking the advice of an asbestos attorney.

Jobsites in Portsmouth where Asbestos Exposure Occurred

A number of jobsites in Portsmouth, OH have been identified as harboring asbestos containing materials. These sites, at one point in their history, were known to have exposed a variety of tradesmen to asbestos. We will be documenting in more detail how asbestos exposure occurred at these sites in the future on this web site.

Mesothelioma Cancer Centers Near Portsmouth, OH

For your convenience we have compiled a list of mesothelioma cancer centers that are located within a 100 mile radius of Portsmouth, OH. Please click on a cancer center link to obtain more information about the clinical programs offered, professional designations, areas of expertise and how to contact the center.

Mesothelioma Doctors Near Portsmouth, OH

For your convenience we have compiled a list of mesothelioma doctors who are located within a 100 mile radius of Portsmouth, OH. Please click on a doctor link to obtain more information about his/her background, areas of expertise, professional affiliations and office locations.