The harbor area in Portsmouth has changed immensely since the Wherry has been used. The photographs of Portsmouth in the 1800's show the use of boats on the Piscataqua River. The boats were used as taxis and working vessels. The photographs of Portsmouth in the 1990's don't show boats, because they are no longer used as taxis or working vessels. They are primarily used for tourist attractions and cruises.

The main attractions to the Piscataqua River, now, are the flourishing businesses surrounding the harbor. Portsmouth harbor draws the attention of people because of its restaurants and shopping area, not the boats. There are many restaurants, boutiques, and novelty stores along the harbor. Many people like to spend the day walking around the harbor. They spend the day browsing in the stores and dining at the restaurants. The Thomas Leighton boat is usually docked in the Portsmouth harbor. The Thomas Leighton is a cruise boat which is operates from Spring to Fall. Among all of the boats in the Portsmouth harbor, It seems to receive the most attention. A lot of the historic buildings around the harbor have been kept up nicely. The scenery around the harbor is greatly enjoyed, but the boats are always locked up. There is a big fence surrounding the boats, preventing people from getting close to them. That could be one of the reasons why the boats don1t get the attention they deserve. If the public had easier access to the boats, then they would probably pay more attention to them. In the 1800's the boats were used primarily for transportation. The boats were used as taxis to take people across the harbor for work or leisure. The boats were also used for transporting goods. The boats were rarely used as cruise ships. Few people owned their own luxury boats. People who owned boats usually used them for a taxi service. The harbor may not have been appreciated as much as it was, if there were other means of transportation. There were not any fancy shops or restaurants around the harbor, in the 1800's, to pull attention away from the boats. Some people think the businesses around the harbor are a distraction, but the businesses are always doing well.

The shops and restaurants are some of the main tourist attractions in Portsmouth. On the other hand, the boats may be a reason why people are attracted to the harbor and shops. Everybody has their own opinion of the boats at Portsmouth harbor and the shops which surround it. The Portsmouth harbor has changed greatly since the 1800's, but it is still surrounded by many historical buildings and sites. ***