Robert Dafford, the lead muralist, is internationally known for his large-scale public art projects in France and the United States.
The mural panels are numbered sequentially, following a chronological timeline of local historical events.
Each mural is painted on a concrete wall designed specifically to prevent catastrophic flooding from the Ohio River.
The project includes depictions of early riverboat commerce and the impact of the steel industry on the local economy.
Several panels highlight the heritage of the Shawnee and other Native American tribes indigenous to the region.
The mural surface required specialized weather-resistant paints to withstand annual temperature fluctuations and river moisture.
The Portsmouth Floodwall Mural consists of 2,000 feet of concrete floodwall along the Ohio River painted by muralist Robert Dafford and his team. It features over 50 individual murals depicting the history of Portsmouth and Scioto County, spanning from ancient Mound Builder civilizations to the modern industrial era. The project began in 1993 as a way to beautify the city's necessary flood defense system. Each panel is rendered in a realistic, trompe l'oeil style designed to integrate with the surrounding landscape. The murals are maintained by the Portsmouth Area Arts Council to ensure the longevity of the historical documentation. This site functions as an open-air historical museum accessible to pedestrians at all times. It is located directly along the banks of the Ohio River in downtown Portsmouth.
The elevated viewing areas that capture both a wide section of the murals and the Ohio River in the background.
Wear comfortable walking shoes as the mural spans a significant distance along the riverbank.
Bring a camera, as the lighting on the murals shifts dramatically throughout the day.
Check the local events calendar, as the floodwall area occasionally hosts community festivals.
Do not attempt to climb or deface the floodwall panels.
