Piscataqua

Piscataqua is a geographic name used for the Piscataqua River and the surrounding coastal region in southeastern New England, United States. The river forms part of the boundary between New Hampshire and Maine and empties into the Atlantic Ocean at the mouth near Portsmouth, New Hampshire, and Kittery, Maine.

Geography: The river is tidal for most of its length, with an estuarine system that supports commercial navigation and diverse wildlife. It drains portions of Rockingham and York counties in New Hampshire and Maine. The watershed includes several tributaries and communities, and the river serves as a key corridor for ship traffic to the port facilities at Portsmouth and the region.

Etymology: The name is of Indigenous origin, widely attributed to the Abenaki or related peoples. It is generally understood to reference the river’s swift or rushing waters, though exact translations vary and are not definitively established. The name Piscataqua is used for the river, its estuary, and the surrounding region.

History and use: The Piscataqua has long been a center of maritime activity. During colonial times Portsmouth and nearby settlements developed as fishing, timber, and shipbuilding centers, with the river serving as a major transportation route. In modern times the river remains important for commerce and recreation, and several bridges and crossings connect New Hampshire and Maine over its span, including the major interstate crossing between Portsmouth and Kittery.

Environment: The estuary supports diverse habitats and faces environmental management issues common to tidal rivers, such as water quality, habitat restoration, and flood control, with ongoing efforts by state and federal agencies and local communities.