The town was originally known as “Portmadoc”, named after William Madocks, who was responsible for the construction of the Cob embankment that created a safe harbour for ships. The harbour was completed in 1811, and Porthmadog soon became a thriving port, with ships sailing to destinations all over the world.
In the mid-19th century, the town’s economy began to diversify, with the introduction of new industries such as shipbuilding, fishing, and tourism.
The Ffestiniog Railway, which opened in 1836, was a major factor in the town’s growth, providing a way to transport slate and other goods to the coast for export.
Porthmadog played a significant role in the Welsh slate industry, and the town was home to several large slate works, including the Cambrian Slate Works and the Welsh Slate Company. The slate industry declined in the 20th century, but the town has continued to thrive as a tourist destination, thanks to its scenic location on the coast and its proximity to Snowdonia National Park.
Today, Porthmadog is a vibrant town with a rich cultural heritage. Visitors can explore the town’s history at the Maritime Museum, which tells the story of the town’s port and shipbuilding industries, or take a ride on the Ffestiniog Railway, which is still in operation and offers stunning views of the surrounding countryside.
