Port Charles, New York (fictional city)
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Port Charles, New York is the fictional setting of the ABC soap operas General Hospital and its now cancelled spin-off Port Charles. Port Charles, New York is also the setting for SOAPnet's primetime GH spin-off, General Hospital: Night Shift.
[edit] Location
Port Charles is a fictional small to midsized city located in Upstate New York, most likely on the shores of Lake Ontario near the city of Rochester (references to Rochester have occurred frequently on General Hospital and the show was even shot on location there in 1993). Aerial photos of Port Charles occasionally shown on the air are actually shots of the skyline of downtown Rochester.
[edit] History
It has been hinted in various storylines of General Hospital that the city of Port Charles has had somewhat of an eclectic history. A 1993 storyline saw Lucky Spencer hiding out in catacombs while hiding from Frank Smith. As a result it was revealed that after the city was first settled, an extensive catacomb system was built beneath the city. The writers of General Hospital again referenced the catacombs in 1997 when Sonny and Brenda were trapped there. Racial discrimination has unfortunately played a part in the history of Port Charles. A 1985 storyline revealed that at some point in the city's history, a large ghetto area known as the Asian Quarter was built in order to house the city's Asian population, while a 1994 storyline revealed that one of the city's first African-American council members, Bradley Ward II faced opposition from his white counterparts in the 1970s and was later murdered. This storyline also made references to people being refused housing and bank loans on account of race.
Port Charles suffered a hurricane in 1977, but quickly recovered from both that and the Lassa Fever epidemic that followed less than two years later, thus beginning a long tradition of disasters that have plagued the city right up to the modern day. During this time, the writers of General Hospital began incorporating mob storylines into the show. As a result, 1979 episodes of General Hospital featured various characters of the show becoming concerned that Port Charles was being taken over by these mob gangs. Mob leader Frank Smith was arrested in 1980, thanks to the efforts of Luke Spencer and Laura Webber.
In 1981, as the writers of General Hospital continued to capitalise on the popularity of Luke and Laura, the two would save the city once again. In this storyline twist, Mikkos Cassadine attempted to hold the world to ransom by showcasing his powerful weather machine. Mikkos selected Port Charles as a test city, and programmed his machine to drastically drop the temperatures in the city. As a result, the city was hit by a severe blizzard even though it was the middle of summer. In the climax of the storyline, Luke and Laura, along with their friend Robert Scorpio were able to stop the madman and Luke figured out the password to turn off the weather machine before all of Port Charles literally froze to death. Luke and Laura were hailed as heroes and their wedding was the social event of 1981. Robert (a new character who had become popular with the fans of the show) was quickly appointed to be the town's new police commissioner and thus the character's place on the show was cemented as he was now a major figure in Port Charles.
In 1983, Luke Spencer capitalized on his popularity and ran for mayor. Luke won, but as Luke's portrayer Anthony Geary had decided to quit the show, an exit storyline needed to be crafted for the character. As a result, Luke soon grew tired of the office and resigned less than two months later.
In 1985, Robert Scorpio and his friends, who included Frisco Jones, Felicia Cummings and Sean Donely (portrayed by John Reilly) helped bust an extortion ring that was operating within the city's Asian Quarter. This was an important series of events because during this storyline, the character of Robin Scorpio, Robert's daughter, was introduced.
In 1985, Robert Scorpio had left town (Robert's portrayer, Tristan Rogers had decided to leave the show) and his ex-wife Anna Devane was appointed as the new police commissioner in Port Charles. In a storyline twist, the seemingly honest Police chief Bert Ramsey was apparently so embittered at being passed over for promotion in favour of Anna that he became a dirty cop and began operating a money laundering scam known as Operation Tumble Dry. Thanks to the efforts of Robert Scorpio (who had returned to town late in 1986 when Tristan Rogers was convinced to return to General Hospital) and Anna Devane, this money laundering scam was busted.
In the late 1980s, the producers of General Hospital began to bring back the mob storylines which had proved popular at the start of the decade. This time around another mafia family, the Jeromes, began to infiltrate the city of Port Charles. However by 1991, the influence of the Jeromes had somewhat faded due to the efforts of Robert Scorpio and his ex wife, Anna Devane. However, when Finola Hughes and Tristan Rogers left the show in 1992, their characters Anna and Robert were presumed dead in an explosion. When the producers sought to bring back Genie Francis and Anthony Geary as Luke and Laura in 1993, General Hospital crafted a storyline turn in which the Smith mob began to regroup and once again terrorised the citizens of Port Charles. However, Frank Smith was killed late in 1994 and a much more benevolent crime boss in the form of Sonny Corinthos took over organized crime in the city. Due to the popularity of Sonny Corinthos as portrayed by Maurice Benard with the viewers of the show, Sonny became a somewhat atypical mobster and became known for his tough stance against drugs in his mob territory.
Environmental issues also became a concern in the 1990s as some of the residents of Port Charles formed the Greenbelts organization and protested against the arrival of the S.S Tracy, a ship carrying toxic materials that later sank in the Port Charles Habor, nearly causing an environmental catastrophe in 1991. In 1994, Justus Ward (son of Bradley Ward) and Laura Spencer led protests against a planned incinerator and was successful in stopping the project despite threats to Laura's life and that of her family.
In 1996, the writers of General Hospital brought back the Cassadine family to be main nemesis of the Spencers for a second time. In order to give the Cassadines a significant role on the show, a storyline turn had the town was on the brink of financial disaster when the city's biggest employer, the local hospital went bankrupt. In a seemingly ironic twist, the hospital (and indirectly the town) was saved from considerable financial ruin at the last minute by a considerable financial investment from Stefan Cassadine, the son of Mikkos Cassadine. Luke Spencer claimed that Stefan only wished to continue the nefarious deeds carried out by his father and had in fact been behind the hospital's bankruptcy so he could perform a swift takeover in order to establish himself as a pillar of the community, though not many people believed Luke at the time (though the writers of the show did reveal to the audience that Luke's suspicions were indeed correct, although Stefan mellowed over time). Stefan Cassadine died in disgrace in 2003.
In the new millennium, Port Charles would be hit by a number of disasters. The February sweeps story of 2004, saw the Port Charles Hotel completely gutted by fire, while a hurricane struck the city in the summer of 2005. Several months after the hurricane, a train disaster would strike the city in November 2005 (another sweeps storyline crafted by the writers and producers of General Hospital). Finally, in a repeat of the 1979 Lassa Fever outbreak, February 2006's sweeps storyline saw the hospital quarantined once again after a mutant strain of encephalitis spread through the town. In February 2007 the towns most prominent hotel, The Metro Court, owned by Carly Corinthos and Jasper Jax was invaded by terrorists and a hostage crisis ensued. As a result, the hotel lobby was rigged with explosives and as an end result blown up. In the following months, the hotel lobby has been reconstructed. The writers of General Hospital have so far not revealed what kind of detrimental impacts that these disasters have had on the city, if any.
[edit] Places of interest
[edit] General Hospital
General Hospital (colloquially referred to as the abbreviation GH) is a major hospital located in the city of Port Charles and is one of the town's biggest employers. It is probably the town's most famous landmark.
Local mobster Sonny Corinthos built the Stone Cates Memorial AIDS Wing in honor of his friend Stone Cates who died of AIDS.
The characters on GH frequent the Hospital's West Wing while the characters on the now canceled Port Charles were patients in the East Wing.
[edit] Port Charles Park
This park is a popular hangout, though can be dangerous at nighttime. Elizabeth Webber was raped here in 1998. Local mobster, Sonny Corinthos', sons, Michael and Morgan, were kidnapped by Faith Roscoe from the park in 2005.In recent times the park's gazebo has gotten much show time. This is where Little John Jacks (really Spencer Cassadine) was supposed to have his christening party. The party was interputed when Robin Scorpio told Nikolas Cassadine that Little John was his son and not Jasper "Jax" Jacks'. Baby Jake Spencer was kidnapped by Maureen Harper. Most recentally Georgie Jones was strangled by the Text Message Killer at the park's west entrance.
[edit] The Docks/Waterfront/Pier
As its name suggests, Port Charles is a major port. The Waterfront district has been under the control of mobster Sonny Corinthos for some years, though rival gangs have tried to move in on his territory. Kelly's Diner, a local eatery is located in this area and the Elm Street Pier is also located here. A majority of the Port Charles waterfront is owned by the Pride-Philips Company, which was given to Courtney Mathews as a thank you from a woman whose life she saved in the Port Charles Hotel fire in 2004. Courtney Matthews has since sold Pride-Philips to Lorenzo Alcazar.
[edit] Jake's
Popular bar owned and operated by Coleman. He purchased the place in September 2002 after A.J. Quartermaine torched The Oasis. Jason Morgan and Carly Corinthos also first met at Jake's over a game of pool. Most recently, Robin Scorpio, Emily Quartermaine, Elizabeth Webber, Kelly Lee, and Lainey Winters chose Jake's as the location for their Girls' Night Out. Where they each shared their fantasy about co-worker, Patrick Drake. A Boys' Night Out also took place soon after, with Max Giambetti, Ric Lansing, Patrick Drake, Lucky Spencer, and Nikolas Cassadine. The guys shared their fantasies about Carly Corinthos.
[edit] Kelly's Diner
Waterfront diner and boarding house originally owned and operated by Rose Kelly, whose late husband Paddy, had been killed by the mob.
Almost anyone in town has been to Kelly’s at least once over the years. The diner itself has been a popular gathering place of many of Port Charles’ citizens. Many newcomers to the city have found their way to Kelly’s. The rooms above have served as a home to many, and several memorable citizens have found employment when first coming to town. Edward Quartermaine, the patriarch of the blue blood Quartermaine family worked here briefly.
Ruby Anderson stepped in as owner when Rose decided to leave town to work with her stepson Joe in 1984, offering homespun advice—and the best damned chowder and chili in New York State. She was a staple of the diner until her death in 1999.
The establishment was left to Luke and Bobbie Spencer, formerly managed by Tammy Hansen. In February 2004, Bobbie asked Mike Corbin to run the diner. Being a family-owned business, Lucky Spencer, Nikolas Cassadine, Emily Quartermaine and Elizabeth Webber (friends since school days, calling themselves “The Four Musketeers”) occasionally had private “Kelly’s-closed dinners” which consisted of traditional potluck dinners.
Characters on the now canceled Port Charles also frequented Kelly's from time to time.
Residents have included Holly Sutton, Jimmy Lee Holt, Celia Quartermaine, Felicia Cummings, Edward and Lila Quartermaine, Colton Shore, Charlie Prince, Lily Rivera, Brenda Barrett, Miguel Morez, Juan Santiago, Courtney Matthews, Emily Quartermaine, Keesha Ward, Ric Lansing, Lucky Spencer, Diego Sanchez Alcazar, Brian Beck, Heather Webber, Javier Ruiz, Elizabeth Webber, Lucky Spencer, Maxie Jones, Dillon Quartermaine, Georgie Jones, Coop Barrett, Tammy Hansen.
[edit] Elm Street Pier
Elm Street is a poorer district within Port Charles and is located near the Waterfront. It is notable for being the place where one of the city's most famous and flamboyant residents, Luke Spencer grew up. Luke's sister, Bobbie, owns a restored Brownstone here, which became the residence of several Port Charles Residents. Also, Dr. Alan Quartermaine and Mike Corbin used this district of Port Charles to meet up with prostitutes while fighting addictions. Recently, Maxie Jones was almost raped here buying hydrocodone for Lucky Spencer. Robert Scorpio was beaten up by Alcazar enforcers for not revealing the location of his Skye Quartermaine, who was pregnant with his child at the time.
This is also where launch for Spoon Island is located. Many high level Port Charles citizens meet on the Elm St. Pier daily.
[edit] Wyndemere Castle/Spoon Island
Cassadine family home. This island is a popular place for family outings. It is also home to a grand old mansion called Wyndemere, where many noteworthy persons have resided, including Ned Ashton, Cesar Faison and most currently the Cassadines. Unfortunately, Wyndemere may not be all that safe; it contains many secret passages and underground tunnels, making it an easy target for intruders - Luke Spencer, in particular. This place has a lot of cliffs. Helena Cassadine pushed Katherine Bell off the parapet, causing her death. A thug hired by Stefan Cassadine pushed Summer Hollaway to her death who the thug had mistaken for Emily Quartermaine. Also Luke Spencer pushed Stefan Cassadine to his death as well. More recently in 2007, a madman named Anthony Zacchara crashed a masquerade ball being held in Wyndemere and stalked the guests, in the process injuring Ric Lansing with a sword and killing an unidentified man with an ice pick. To make matters even worse, a storm has stranded the guests on the island and caused a power failure. During the night of terror Emily Quartermaine was strangled.
[edit] Quartermaine Mansion
The home of the wealthy Quartermaine family, it features living quarters for several members of the extended family, as well as staff such as Alice the maid. Some scenes have taken place in the Quartermaine boathouse, and there is also a garage with luxury vehicles such as a Bentley. The address is 66 Harborview Road.[1]
[edit] The Haunted Star
This ship was a wedding gift given to Luke and Laura Spencer. Luke sold it in early 1983 but reaquired it in December 2003. Today, Luke still owns it, and it now serves as a casino. In 2006, Luke hired Diego Alcazar to pretend to rob the Haunted Star, so he could take the money from his wife and co-owner, Tracy Quartermaine. A previous heist occurred, in 2004, by mobster, Lorenzo Alcazar. Luke's previous partners in the casino also include, Faith Rosco and Skye Chandler Quartermaine. Dillon Quartermaine briefly lived on the ship. The ship originally belonged to the aristocratic Cassadine family. Luke later took possession of it after he defeated Mikkos Cassadine and his plot to freeze the world with a weather machine.
[edit] Metro Court Hotel
The Metro Court is a fictional Hotel and Restaurant on the soap opera General Hospital. During the January/February 2007 sweeps season, the Metro Court Hotel became the center of a 24-inspired storyline, with a 16-hour hostage crisis.
It was built by Australian billionaire Jasper Jacks on the site where the Port Charles Hotel once occupied until it was destroyed in a February 2004 fire and it is now the town's most popular hotel. The Hotel was named after Courtney Matthews who was the wife of Jax at the time. Courtney died while giving birth to her son John Michael Jacks in early 2006.
Its restaurant has since been the site of many dates, engagements, and parties. Its lobby was recently the site of an explosion where it sustained extensive damage during the final minutes of a sixteen hour hostage crisis. The employees and guests were held in the lobby by masked gunmen lead by James Craig (who it was later revealed was actually Jerry Jacks), who was after the contents of a briefcase locked in the hotel vault. This siege lasted almost 12 hours inside. The twelve people who were held hostage were mostly all the main citizens of Port Charles. Robin Scorpio was shot in her stomach within the first hour. She was operated on by Emily Quartermaine and Carly Corinthos. Also Max, Sonny's former body guard who now works at the Metro Court, was shot in the shoulder. Father Mateo Ruiz, Manny's good twin brother, was also shot once for killing one of the mercenaries.
The crisis culminated when explosives were detonated in the lobby as the police stormed in. In the aftermath, the Hotel continued to be a major set, as the search for survivors continued, and a gun battle as Jason Morgan pursued Craig through the rubble. It was rebuilt quickly though, with more security this time. This event drastically changed the lives of many Port Charles citizens. Dr. Alan Quartermaine died, Jason Morgan learned he was the father of Elizabeth Webber's unborn child, and Mr. Craig still has some unfinished business in Port Charles.
[edit] Sonny's Coffee Shop
This coffee shop was opened in December 2006 by Sonny Corinthos to serve as a front for his illegal activity. Sonny frequently worked out of an office in the building. Carly Corinthos Jacks took over decorating and added a coffee cart. This is where Max, Sonny's bodyguard, was demoted to working when he helped out Sonny's ex Carly. This is also where Lorenzo Alcazar had a hit woman hide a gun. Lorenzo retrieved the gun, went into Sonny's back office and held him at gunpoint. Carly just happened to walk in and was able to distract Lorenzo from shooting Sonny. Sonny took this chance and shot Lorenzo in the head. Sonny's brother, the corrupt DA, saw this as his chance to nail Sonny for attempted murder. Carly was the only witness, she later married Sonny again so that she would not have to testify against him in court. It was later revealed that Carly did not need to marry Sonny because the hit woman turned herself in and the charges against Sonny were dropped. Carly convinced Jason to go with her to the Dominican Republic to get a divorce, where they were told that the laws there had changed and Sonny would have to sign the papers there as well. Knowing that would never happen, they came back to Port Charles, where Sonny refused to give her a divorce before it would end in 6 months- he would do everything he could to win her over and convince her they belong together. He was almost going to give in until he learned of Carly's re-engagement to Jax.
[edit] Set of Everyday Heroes
This is the set where Sam McCall and Amelia Joffe film Everyday Heroes. Sam was offered the hosting job, after the media portrayed her as the hero of the Metro Court hostage crisis.Executive producer, Amelia, is the daughter of Bill Monroe, the man Sam killed years ago. At one point Amelia and Sam were held at gunpoint on the soundstage by Lorenzo Alcazar's henchmen. A stage light also fell while Sam was rehearsing for an upcoming segment. This is also where Amelia tried to execute her plan of revenge for Sam.She doesn't do anything.
In March of 2008 Sam became a victim of a hit and run accident leaving her hospitalized and injured. The producer of Everyday Heroes Stan approached Sam letting her know that she has been temporarily replaced until she meets the physical requirements to come back to work.
[edit] Media
- Port Charles Herald (Newspaper)
- WLPC (TV station)
- KRPC (Radio station)
[edit] Former places of interest
[edit] Asian Quarter
The Asian Quarter is a ghetto district located within Port Charles and is home to a large Asian population. The residents of this part of the city once lived in fear of an extortion ring that dominated the area, but thanks to the efforts of then police commissioner Robert Scorpio, the extortion ring was busted.
[edit] Barney's Place
A downtown bar where in 1976, Dr. Jeff Webber attempted to commit suicide after finding out his wife, Monica Bard, had been having an affair with his brother, Dr. Rick Webber.
[edit] The Campus Disco
This popular establishment was run by Luke Spencer from 1979 - 1980. It closed in 1981 as Disco music went out of style. In real life, the disco has become infamous amongst fans of General Hospital as Luke's rape of Laura took place here.
Richard Simmons also used to teach aerobics classes here, attended by all the female cast members in sweat leotards.
[edit] The Cellar
(located below Kelly’s Diner) 324 Wharf Street, Port Charles, NY– Carly Corinthos, proprietor. Opened February 14, 2003. Rekindled night club created from the remnants of “The Flynn’s Club”, an old speakeasy that originally opened New Years Eve, 1926. Flynn’s was owned by Catherine Flynn, the grandmother of Faith Rosco. On New Years Eve, 2002, Ric Lansing and Carly discovered the speakeasy bricked off in the basement of Kelly’s Diner when they were scouting for a location for her club. The original owner, Catherine Flynn, who had been living in an apartment across the street from Kelly’s, told Carly and Ric the club’s history when she observed them breaking through the brick wall. Employees have included Courtney Matthews as hostess In November 2003, Faith Rosco claimed ownership of the club stating that though Kelly’s Diner and The Cellar occupied the same building, they always had split deeds and though Luke and Bobbie Spencer owned Kelly’s, The Cellar was rightfully Faith Rosco’s property by way of inheritance from Catherine. In May 2004, Carly regained control of the club when Justus Ward discovered that Faith’s claim on the property was invalid. In April of 2007, Sonny and Jason begin to consider using The Cellar as a place to hide their shipments, as The Cellar was vacant at the time. On April 12, 2007, Sonny and Jason were in The Cellar when they were ambushed by Alcazar's enforcers. Cooper Barrett and Logan Hayes protected Maxie Jones and Lulu Spencer, respectively, when they heard the gunshots when they were in Kelly's at the time. Cooper and Logan went downstairs to The Cellar to help Jason and Sonny and between the four of them they were able to kill 4/5 of Alcazar's guys. Cooper followed one of the men upstairs and outside as he grabbed Maxie and threatened her at gunpoint. Coop, with gun in hand aimed at the guy's head, talked to Maxie in order to distract her, while he fired a kill shot at the guy, causing a little blood to get in Maxie's hair but it was the only way to save her.
[edit] Club 101
Elegant night club opened in 2002 by Carly Corinthos with Jasper “Jax” Jacks. The club was converted from an old abandoned warehouse on the “bad side of town” under Carly’s supervision. Jax forced Carly out of the partnership due to what Carly believed was because she was Sonny Corinthos’ wife and a reminder of Brenda Barrett. He accused Carly of embezzling funds from the club. He then brought Skye Quartermaine in as a partner. Employees have included Courtney Matthews.
[edit] Delafield's
Club owned and operated by classical pianist Katherine Delafield. Katherine regularly performed as well as did Frisco Jones. This same club had belonged to Duke Lavery and was purchased after his death in 1990.
[edit] Duke's Club
Run by Duke Lavery and Felicia Jones, this club was a popular hangout for Port Charles residents in the late 1980s. Frisco Jones and Terri O'Connor regularly performed. After Duke's death, the club was purchased in 1990 by classical pianist Katherine Delafield and reopened under the name Delafield's.
[edit] The Floating Rib
This restaurant, located across the street from General Hospital, was another popular establishment in the early 1980s. Closed during the late 1980’s. On February 23, 2006, Holly Sutton (not knowing that the restaurant was long out of business) demanded that Luke Spencer and Robert Scorpio meet her outside the restaurant with two million dollars for each vial of antidote for the mutant encephalitis virus that had gripped the city that month. A popular massage parlor is now located on this site.
[edit] Flynn's Club
A speakeasy that opened on New Years Eve 1926 beneath what is now Kelly’s Diner. The club was owned by Catherine Flynn, wife of mobster Marco Flynn. It was only open for a few hours because at 12:01 A.M. on opening night, a close friend and associate was killed in the club in a mob hit. Marco retaliated that night, but was arrested. He spent the rest of his life in prison. Catherine never had the heart to reopen, and had it boarded up. The club was discovered in 2002 when Carly Corinthos was looking for a location to open a club of her own. She refurbished this speakeasy and reopened it as “The Cellar”.
[edit] Luke's Club
This blues club, run by Luke Spencer and Lucy Coe was a popular place to hangout and socialise during the late 1990s. Lily Corinthos was blown up in a car bomb outside the premises in 1996.
[edit] Luke's Place
Port Charles' first casino opened by Luke Spencer and D. L. Brock in 1983. This is notable because according to the city charter, only one casino was allowed to operate at the same time. After closing the casino when he was elected mayor later that year, he retained the casino rights. Port Charles did not have another casino until he converted his recently reacquired Haunted Star into a casino on December 26, 2003.
[edit] No Name
Local Mobster Sonny Corinthos took his then-wife Carly Corinthos Jacks there.
[edit] The Oasis
Strip club owned by Coleman where Courtney Matthews secretly worked under the name “Daisy” to pay for damages caused by her then husband, A.J. Quartermaine. A.J. destroyed the club in an arson fire after he found out about Courtney’s job August 28, 2002.
[edit] The Outback
Popular club once owned and operated by Mac Scorpio. Opened in 1991, Connor Olivera managed the club and worked as a singer. In 1992, Bill Eckert became co-owner. Felicia Jones later bought half ownership of the club, and the two married in 1998, making the club a family business. Employees have included Holly Scorpio, Miguel Morez and Robin Scorpio.
[edit] The Paradise Lounge
Strip club once owned by Sonny Corinthos. Karen Wexler and Tammy Hansen once worked there as a stripper. The club was closed by the PCPD in 1993 for working underage strippers.
[edit] The Recovery Room
Bar & Grill located across the street from General Hospital. Managed by the Scanlon family and Mary Scanlon's husband Victor Collins. Previously managed by Mike Corbin. Popular establishment in the late 1990s.
[edit] The Ward House
Orphanage started by Mary Mae Ward, named for her son Bradley, a community leader who had died 20 years earlier. Pediatrician Simone Hardy was a volunteer at the home and introduced Mary Mae to Laura Spencer. In 1996, Laura Spencer purchased and operated the orphanage after Mary Mae’s death. Destroyed in an arson fire started by mobster Damian Smith who wanted the land to build a toxic waste incinerator.
[edit] Cosmetics: Jacks/Deception
Jax Cosmetics: Original founder: Jasper Jacks; Former CEO: Lucy Coe; Other Known Employees: Brenda Barrett (Former Model)
Deception Cosmetics: Former CEO-Laura Spencer; Partner-Carly Corinthos; Former models-Brenda Barrett, Elizabeth Webber & Gia Campbell
[edit] Port Charles Society
[edit] The Nurses Ball
From 1994 - 2001, the Nurses Ball was the social event of the year in the Port Charles calendar and is most notable for being a charity event dedicated to raising funds for various HIV/AIDS organizations, both on the show and in reality. The Nurses Ball was held in the Port Charles Hotel (which burned down in 2004). Notably from 1997 until the last ball in 2001, the Nurses ball was usually a major crossover where characters from both Port Charles and General Hospital got a chance to interact with one another. A train/bus collision interrupted the 2001 event. The event has since been discontinued. The onscreen reasons for this have not been explained, but it is known that rising expenses and budget cuts in the real world, along with the revamp that was made to Port Charles in 2001 were the reasons why the producers of both General Hospital and Port Charles decided to end the annual event.
[edit] General Hospital Pediatric Ward Christmas party
For many years, the Pediatric Ward Christmas party has been the focus of General Hospital episodes that have aired just before Christmas (usually on the December 24 episode of General Hospital, but sometimes on December 23 or December 22 if December 24 falls during a weekend). It is traditional for the current chief of staff to read the Christmas story to the children during the party. The chief is also accompanied by the General Hospital volunteers dressed up as Mr. and Mrs. Clause, as well as elves. The children of various cast members from the show are often featured as extras in the party scenes playing the sick children from the ward.
[edit] Notable residents
[edit] The Jacks
The Jacks', Carly and her husband Jax, live in Port Charles with her sons Michael and Morgan Corinthos. Jax's brother, Jerry Jacks (aka Mr. Craig) is also currently in Port Charles.
[edit] The Cassadines
The Cassadine brothers, Mikkos, Tony and Victor first made their presence in Port Charles felt in 1981, when they caused the infamous blizzard through the use of carbonic snow. Mikkos' younger son Stefan eventually took control of the family and in 1996, he and his nephew Nikolas moved to Port Charles permanently, joined by distant Cassadine cousin Alexis Davis who was later revealed to be Mikkos' illegitimate daughter (Natasha Cassadine) with opera singer Kristen Bergmen. For a time, Stefan owned General Hospital. In 2001, the family received another addition when Alexis' long lost sister, Kristina Cassadine (originally Kristina Carter), was brought to town to reunite with her sister by Jasper Jacks. Stefan later died in 2003, but Nikolas remains in the city. From time to time, Nikolas' grandmother Helena, the widow of Mikkos shows up to terrorise various residents of the city. Alexis has given birth to three daughters, Sam McCall, Kristina Davis, and Molly Lansing, fathered by unknown man, Sonny Corinthos, and Ric Lansing respectively. Nikolas now has a child, Spencer Cassadine, with the late Courtney Matthews.
[edit] The Mob: Sonny Corinthos and Jason Morgan
Sonny Corinthos arrived in Port Charles in 1993, and owned and operated a strip club before becoming Port Charles' most powerful mobster in the power struggles that followed Frank Smith's death. Sonny has become known for his relative benevolence compared to other mafia gangs and his donation of several million dollars was instrumental in setting up the Stone Cates Memorial Wing at General Hospital.
Everybody in Port Charles knows who Jason Morgan is. He was born into wealth as Jason Quartermaine, the son of Dr. Alan Quartermaine and his mistress Susan Moore, he was later adopted by Monica Quartermaine. He was well liked, smart, and basically one of the only sane things ever to come out of the Quartermaine family. He was medical student, to follow in the foot steps of his parents, but one fateful night changed all of that. One night when he was trying to stop his brother AJ from driving drunk he got in the car with him and they crashed leaving Jason permanently brain damaged with no memory of his life. He broke away from his family, changed his last name to Morgan (in honor of his paternal grandmother Lila Morgan Quartermaine), and started working for mobster Sonny Corinthos. Over time Jason has gotten closer to his family, especially adopted-sister Emily, and while establishing a life for himself, including starting a relationship with Elizabeth Webber and has a son with her, Jake Spencer. He is still involved in the mob today.
[edit] The Webbers & Hardys
Steve Hardy was the chief of Staff at General Hospital from the mid 1970s until his death in 1996. Perhaps one of Dr Hardy's biggest achievements was finding a cure to the Lassa Fever epidemic of 1979. His son, Jeff Webber was also a doctor. And Steve's granddaughter, Elizabeth Webber is a nurse and has children, Cameron Webber and Jake Spencer.
[edit] Eddie Maine
Rock star Eddie Maine (real name Edward 'Ned' Ashton) also originated in Port Charles. The grandson of Edward Quartermaine, Ned was working at ELQ industries before being discovered. Ned adopted the stage-name Eddie Maine and enjoyed a successful music career in the 1990s.
[edit] The Quartermaines
One of the most distinguished families in Port Charles is the Quartermaine family, who moved to the area in 1978 and are best known for running E.L.Q. Industries. The Quartermaines have had a long-standing rivalry with Sonny Corinthos that began when Sonny married Carly Roberts, the former wife of A.J. Quartermaine and forced A.J. to give up parental rights to his and Carly's son Michael. Dr. Alan Quartermaine was the chief of staff at General Hospital, while his wife Monica is a renowned heart surgeon. Rock star Eddie Maine is also a prominent member of this family. Other Quartermaine's include Emily Quartermaine, Skye Quartermaine,Dillon Quartermaine, Jason Morgan, and the newest member of the family is Jake Spencer.
[edit] Robert Scorpio
Australian ex-pat Robert was Police Commissioner of Port Charles for many years (1982 - 1985, 1987 - 1992), and solved numerous mysteries and crimes. Robert was presumed dead in 1992, but later returned to town in 2006 to track down Luke Spencer who had brought the encephalitis outbreak to Port Charles. Now trying to mend his relationship with his daughter and his wife, Robin and Anna
[edit] The Spencers: Luke and Laura Webber Spencer
Laura Webber first gained notoriety in the infamous David Hamilton murder case in 1978. Only sixteen at the time, she had began an affair with the much older David Hamilton only to murder him when she found out he was using her to get back at her mother. Laura escaped a jail sentence due to the extenuating circumstances of the crime, but her reputation as a murderess was notorious throughout the town. Later though, Laura would gain fame in a more positive way when she helped her future husband Luke Spencer defeat the evil schemes of both Frank Smith and Mikkos Cassadine. The two would then marry in a ceremony held on the lawn of the mayor's mansion. Sadly, Luke and Laura would later divorce and Laura suffered a mental breakdown in 2002, leading to her incarceration in a psychiatric facility. Laura was given and experimental drug "LS49" in October 2006. The drug brought her out of her catatonic state, but sadly the drug's effects were only temporary. While Laura was back with her family she and Luke were married again on their 25th anniversary, November 16, 2006.
Luke Spencer is possibly the most famous resident of Port Charles (and also one of its most flamboyant). Luke Spencer first gained notoriety when he, along with his future wife Laura Webber, helped bust the Frank Smith mafia gang in 1980. The following year, Luke was instrumental (again along with his wife Laura and future police commissioner Robert Scorpio) in foiling the plans of Mikkos Cassadine, a madman who had frozen Port Charles in order to showcase his weather machine. Luke and Laura married on the lawn of the mayors mansion in November 1981 in what was possibly the biggest wedding Port Charles has ever seen. Luke later ran for mayor of Port Charles in 1983 and won, but resigned less than two months into his tenure in order so that he and Laura could leave town to travel the world. Luke and Laura later returned to Port Charles in 1993.
Luke and Laura have two children together, Lucky Spencer and Lulu Spencer. Laura also has a son with Stavros Cassadine, Nikolas Cassadine. Luke has excepted Nikolas.
[edit] Kate Howard
Kate Howard, editor in chief of Couture magazine recently made her primary residence in Port Charles. The mansion, which is located next door to Sonny Corinthos's home is currently undergoing renovations. She is currently dating mobster, Sonny Corinthos.
[edit] Sam McCall
Sam McCall, hostess of Everyday Heroes, is a resident of Port Charles. Sam grew up as a con artist and conned 5 men into marrying her and stole their money. The producer of the show, Amelia Joffe revealed this to many in Port Charles. Sam is known in Port Charles for her work on the show as well as her relationship's with mobster's, Sonny Corinthos and Jason Morgan. Sam is also a member of the Cassadine family. She has also had many affairs with married men, including her stepfather, Ric Lansing.
[edit] The Zaccharas
Insane mob boss, Anthony Zacchara came to Port Charles in October of 2007. He brought his son, Johnny Zacchara and his lawyer, Trevor Lansing. It turned out that Trevor was the real mob boss. When Anthony jumped off the roof of Wyndemere Castle, he was paralyzed from the neck down and his son Johnny became the new mob boss. Johnny has plans to take down a manipulative Trevor. Claudia Antonia Zacchara who is Johnny's sister will make her debut on General Hospital on January 31.
[edit] Notable Couples
- Steve Hardy and Audrey Hardy (1964-1996)
- Scott Baldwin and Laura Spencer (1977-1981)
- Alan Quartermaine and Monica Quartermaine (1978-2007)
- Luke and Laura Spencer (1981-2002; 2006)
- Frisco Jones and Felicia Cummings (1986-1994)
- Robert Scorpio and Anna Devane (1985-1992)
- Robert Scorpio and Holly Sutton (1980s)
- Duke Lavery and Anna Devane (1980s)
- Jason Quartermaine and Keesha Ward (1994-1996)
- Scott Baldwin and Dominique Stanton (1992-1993)
- Mac Scorpio and Felicia Cummings (1992-2001)
- Stone Cates and Robin Scorpio (1993-1995)
- Jason Morgan and Robin Scorpio (1996-1999)
- Lucky Spencer and Elizabeth Webber (1998-2002, 2005-2007)
- Sonny Corinthos and Carly Corinthos (1999-2004, 2007)
- Sonny Corinthos and Brenda Barrett (1990s)
- Jasper Jacks and Brenda Barrett (1996-1998, 2002-2003)
- Jason Morgan and Elizabeth Webber (1999-2002, 2006-present)
- Nikolas Cassadine and Emily Quartermaine (2003-2005, 2006-2007))
- Alexis Davis and Ric Lansing (2004-2007)
- Jason Morgan and Sam McCall (2004-2007)
- Patrick Drake and Robin Scorpio (2005-present)
- Jasper Jacks and Carly Corinthos (2006-present)
- Ned Ashton and Lois Cerullo (1994-1996)
- Ned Ashton and Alexis Davis (1999-2001)
[edit] Notable Love Triangles
- Alan Quartermaine, Monica Quartermaine, Rick Webber (1970s)
- Luke Spencer, Laura Webber Spencer, Scott Baldwin (1981-present)
- Luke Spencer, Holly Sutton, Robert Scorpio (1980's)
- Anna Devane, Robert Scorpio, Holly Sutton (1985)
- AJ Quartermaine, Keesha Ward, Jason Quartermaine (1994-1996)
- Sonny Corinthos, Brenda Barrett, Jasper Jacks (1996-1998, 2002-2003)
- Jason Morgan, Carly Corinthos, Robin Scorpio (1996-1999)
- Lucky Spencer, Elizabeth Webber, Jason Morgan (2000-present)
- Nikolas Cassadine, Zander Smith, Emily Quartermaine (2003-2004)
- Logan Hayes, Lulu Spencer, Johnny Zacchara (2007-present)
[edit] Notable Love Quadrilaterials
- Luke Spencer, Laura Spencer, Mac Scorpio, Felicia Cummings (1999-2001)
- Sam McCall, Jason Morgan, Elizabeth Webber, Lucky Spencer (2007-present)
[edit] Important people
[edit] Local Politics
Mayors
- Quinn Waser (1969-1974)
- Bruce Jennings (1974-1979)
- John Everett (1979-1980)
- Luke Spencer (1983)
- Lee Baldwin (1983-1985)
- Ken Morgan (1985-1989)
- Earl Richmond (1989-1993)
- Tom McClintock (1997-2001)
- Riley Dowd (2001-2005)
- Garrett Floyd (2006-present)
Council Members
- Casslyn Verga (1986-1991)
- Dover (1992)
- Jerry Perez (1994-1996)
- Blake (1994)
- Bradley Ward II (1994)
- Clemens (1995)
- AJ Quartermaine (1997)
[edit] Law and Order
[edit] Police Department
- Captain Patterson (1963-1974)
- Captain Wendell (1974-1979)
- Police Captain Burt Ramsey (1979-1983)
- Police Commissioner Robert Scorpio (1983-1985, 1998-1992)
- Co-Chief of Police Anna Devane (1985-1986)
- Co-Chief of Police Burt Ramsey (1985-1986)
- Chief of Police Anna Devane (1986-1987)
- Chief of Police Guy Lewis (1987-1992)
- Police Commissioner Sean Donely (1992-1995)
- Police Commissioner Mac Scorpio (1996-2000, 2000-present)
- Detective Joe Kelly
- Detective Andy Garcia
- Detective Lucky Spencer (2003-present)
- Detective Andy Capelli (2001-2004)
- Detective Jesse Beaudry (2005-2006)
- Detective Cruz Rodriguez (2005-present)
- Detective David Harper (2007-present)
- Police Cadet Cooper Barrett (2007-2008)
- Police Officer Byron Murphy (2004-2005)
- Special Prosecutor Scott Baldwin (2007-present)
[edit] District Attorneys
- Chase Murdoch (1966-1971, 1973-1979)
- Bill Richardson (1982-1983)
- Mick Boyer (1984)
- Ken Morgan (1984-1985)
- Brett Madison (1986)
- Lombardi (1986)
- Michael Shultz (1990)
- Abbey Mitchell (1993)
- Justus Ward (1998)
- Scott Baldwin (2002-2004)
- Ric Lansing (2004-2005, 2006-2008)
- John Durant (2005-2006)
- Alexis Davis (2005-2006, 2008-Present)
[edit] Assistant District Attorneys
- Xavier Coons (1967-1973)
- Ross Jenelle (1974)
- Mitch Williams (1978-1980)
- Scott Baldwin (1988)
- Jessica Holmes (1992)
- Dara Jensen (1996-2003)
- Ric Lansing (2004)
- Alexis Davis (2006)
[edit] General Hospital
[edit] Chief Of Staff
- Dr. Bryant Nemer (1966-1971)
- Dr. Anderson Valey (1971-1976)
- Dr. Steve Hardy (1976-1996)
- Dr. Alan Quartermaine (1996-1998, 1999-2007)
- Dr. Monica Quartermaine (1998-1999)
- Dr. Russell Ford (2007-present)
[edit] Assistant Chief of Staff
- Dr. Perry Masil (1966-1970)
- Dr. Wendel Eltoz (1970-1975)
- Dr. Buzz Stryker (1985-1987)
- Dr. Monica Quartermaine (1987-1988)
- Dr. Alan Quartermaine (1988-1990)
- Dr. Tom Hardy (1990)
[edit] Chief of Internal Medicine
- Dr. Steve Hardy (1963-1976)
[edit] Head Nurse
- Lucille March (1963-1976)
- Audrey Hardy (1976-2006)
- Epiphany Johnson (2006-present)
[edit] Other GH Staff
- Dr. Rick Webber (deceased)
- Dr. Greta Ingrstrom
- Dr. Gina Dante
- Dr. Seymour Katz
- Dr. Vivian Collins
- Dr. Richard Russell
- Dr. Tony Jones (deceased)
- Dr. Tom Hardy
- Dr. Simone Ravelle Hardy
- Dr. Robin Scorpio
- Dr. Patrick Drake
- Dr. Noah Drake
- Dr. Lainey Winters
- Dr. Meadows (obstetrician)
- Dr. Kelly Lee
- Dr. Emily Quartermaine (deceased)
- Dr. Andy Archer
- Dr. Leo Julian
- Dr. Rachel Adair (deceased)
- Dr. Steven Lars Webber
- Dr. Lesley Webber
- Dr. Cameron Lewis (deceased)
- Dr. Kevin Collins
- Dr. Gail Baldwin
- Dr. Asher Thomas (deceased)
- Dr. Ian Devlin (deceased)
- Dr. Trent
- Jessie Brewer, RN
- Audrey Hardy, RN
- Lucille Weeks, RN
- Bobbie Spencer, RN
- Amy Vining RN
- Meg Lawson, RN
- Elizabeth Webber, RN
- Leyla Mir, RN
- Regina Thompson, RN
- Jolene Crowell, RN(deceased)
- Nadine Crowell, RN
[edit] Crime
(this list only deals with crimes that occurred in the city of Port Charles, as opposed to crimes that occurred on both General Hospital and Port Charles that occurred in other locations)
[edit] Deaths
- Peggy Nelson - Murdered by ex-husband Arnold (1971)
- Bradley Ward II - Murdered by Jack Boland (1970s; Revealed in 1994)
- Phil Brewer - Murdered by Augusta McLeod (1974)
- David Hamilton - Accidentally killed by Laura Webber (1978)
- Theresa Carter, RN - Hit over the head with a camera by Laura Webber (1978; Revealed in 2002)
- Diana Taylor - Accidentally killed by Alice Grant (1981)
- James Duvall - Killed by Alexandria Quartermaine (1981)
- O'Reilly - Shot by Victor Cassadine (1981)
- Alexandria Quartermaine - Murdered by Mikkos Cassadine (1981)
- Susan Moore - Murdered by Crane Tolliver (1983)
- Crane Tolliver - Shot by Robert Scorpio (1983)
- Beatrice LeSeur - Accidental drug overdose (1983)
- D.L. Brock - Murdered by Ginny Blake (1985)
- Jennifer Talbot - Murdered by Kevin O'Connor (1986)
- Herbert Quartermaine - Murdered by Betsy Quartermaine (1987)
- Filomena Soltini - Murdered by Grant Putnam (1988)
- Duke Lavery - Killed in a shootout with Julian Jerome (1990)
- Jessie Brewer, RN - Died of natural causes (1991)
- Dawn Winthrop - Bludgeoned with lead pipe by Edge Jerome (1991)
- Bill Eckert - Shot by Frank Smith's men (1993)
- Jessica Holmes - Murdered by Ryan Chamberlain (1993)
- Ray Conway - Died of a broken neck after being thrown against a wall by Alan Quartermaine (1993)
- Dominique Stanton - Inoperable brain tumor (June 1993)
- Frank Smith - Shot by Luke Spencer (1994)
- B.J. Jones - Severe brain damage after a bus accident (May 1994)
- Mary Mae Ward - Died of natural causes (January 1995)
- Stone Cates - AIDS (December 1995)
- Damian Smith - Died in a fire (1996)
- Lily Rivera Corinthos - Died in a car bombing meant for Sonny Corinthos (June 1996)
- Dr. Steve Hardy - Heart attack (July 1996)
- Pierce Dorman - Murdered by Hernando Rivera (1997)
- Jake Marshak - First victim of the General Homicide Killer, Greg Cooper (1998)
- Nurse Grace Sullivan - Second victim of the General Homicide Killer, Greg Cooper (1998)
- Ruby Anderson - Died of natural causes (February 1999)
- Katherine Bell - Pushed from a parapet by Helena Cassadine (May 1999)
- Chloe Morgan - Stabbed by Stavros Cassadine (September 2001)
- Stavros Cassadine - Jumped down a bottomless pit during a fight with Luke Spencer (November 2001)
- Kristina Cassadine - Caught in an explosion in Sonny's warehouse; died in ICU (August 2002)
- Rick Webber - Hit over the head with a candle stick by Laura Spencer; actually killed by Scott Baldwin (August 2002)
- Luis Alcazar - Stabbed; pushed off his balcony Alexis Davis (November 2002)
- Catherine Flynn - Poisoned by Faith Rosco (February 28, 2003)
- Summer Holloway - Pushed off a cliff by Darius (June 2003)
- Stefan Cassadine - Stabbed; pushed off parapet by Luke Spencer (October 2003)
- Dr. Cameron Lewis - Caught under falling debris in Port Charles Hotel fire (February 19, 2004)
- Brian Beck - Shot by Andy Capelli (February 2004)
- Andy Capelli - Shot in a struggle with Jason Morgan (February 2004)
- Zander Smith - Shot to death by the S.W.A.T Team (March 2004)
- Ross Duncan - Murdered by Heather Webber (April 2004)
- Lila Quartermaine - Died from natural causes (July 14, 2004)
- Sage Alcazar - Stabbed by Mary Bishop (August 2004)
- Trent Parker - Stabbed with a garden tool by Mary Bishop (August 2004)
- Mary Bishop - Medication tampered with by Lorenzo Alcazar (September 2004)
- Connor Bishop - Shot by Emily Quartermaine in self defense (January 2005)
- Faith Rosco - Shot; later died in General Hospital (March 2005)
- AJ Quartermaine - Suffocated by Dr. Thomas (April 2005)
- Evan Tucker - Killed in a fight with Reese Marshall (June 17, 2005)
- Rachel Adair - Injected with a poison by Dr. Thomas (July 27, 2005)
- Dr. Asher Thomas - Shot by Jason Morgan (August 2005)
- Andrew Domman - Shot by Jason Morgan (August 2005)
- Javier Ruiz - Shot by Jason Morgan (October 2005)
- Reese Marshall - Died from a pressure build-up during a train wreck (November 14, 2005)
- Dr. Tony Jones - Died during the encephalitis epidemic (February 10, 2006)
- Courtney Matthews - Died from complications while giving birth; result of encephalitis plague (February 21, 2006)
- Danny McCall - Died during an encephalitis epidemic (February 23, 2006)
- Jesse Beaudry - Shot in the line of duty; later taken off life support (March 31, 2006)
- Miguel Escobar - Shot by Jason Morgan (March 31, 2006)
- John Durant - Shot by Manny Ruiz; bled do death later on (May 5, 2006)
- Justus Ward - Shot dead by Manny Ruiz (June 16, 2006)
- Manny Ruiz - Shot and pushed off General Hospital roof by Jason Morgan (July 4, 2006)
- April Gilbert - AIDS related complications (August 21, 2006)
- Dr. Alan Quartermaine - Series of severe and fatal heart attacks (February 2007)
- Lorenzo Alcazar - Shot by Jason Morgan (May 2007)
- Leticia Juarez - First victim of Diego Alcazar (September 2007)
- Emily Quartermaine - Second victim of Diego Alcazar (October 2007)
- Georgie Jones - Third victim of Diego Alcazar (December 2007)
- Stan Johnson - Car accident planned by Jerry Jacks
- Cooper Barrett - Fourth victim of Diego Alcazar (January 2008)
- Diego Alcazar - Accidential Hanging (March 2008)
- Dr. Ian Devlin - Shot to death by Jason Morgan (May 2008)
[edit] Rapes
- Jessie Brewer - by Phil Brewer (1965)
- Audrey March Hardy - by Tom Baldwin (1969)
- Diana Taylor - by Phil Brewer (1973)
- Monica Quartermaine - (offscreen by an unknown assailant)
- Lesley Webber (1976)
- Laura Spencer - by Luke Spencer (1979)
- Elizabeth Webber - by Tom Baker (1998)
- Emily Quartermaine - by Connor Bishop (2005)
- Jasper Jacks - by Irina (2007)
[edit] Notable Trials
- Eddie Weeks (reckless driving causing injury, 1963)
- Jessie Brewer and Tom Baldwin (murder of John Prentice, 1968)
- Audrey March Hardy (murder of Peggy Nelson, 1971)
- Diana Taylor (murder of Phil Brewer, 1975)
- Lesley Webber (murder of David Hamilton, 1978)
- Anna Devane (attempted murder of Olivia St. John, 1988)
- Felicia Jones (attempted murder of Ryan Chamberlain, 1993)
- Laura Spencer (murder of Damian Smith, 1996)
- Monica Quartermaine (sexual harassment of Pierce Dorman, 1997)
- Tony Jones (kidnapping of Michael Benson, 1998)
- Stefan Cassadine (murder of Katherine Bell, 1998)
- Tom Yergin (blackmail of Emily Quartermaine, 1998)
- Luke Spencer (murder of Stefan Cassadine, 2000)
- Jason Morgan and Brenda Barrett (murder of Luis Alcazar, 2003)
- Alexis Davis (murder of Luis Alcazar, 2003)
- Nikolas Cassadine (murder of Helena Cassadine, 2004)
- Sonny Corinthos (murder of A.J. Quartermaine, 2005)
- Jason Morgan (murder of Lorenzo Alcazar, 2007)
[edit] Disasters
In the past twenty years, Port Charles has been hit by disaster on frequent occasions (often as a result of General Hospital's writers trying to increase ratings. These storylines occur mostly during the February, May, July or November Sweeps Periods).
- In September 1977, a hurricane hit the city, with several fatalities and damage done to several buildings.
- In 1979, further disaster struck the city, when it was hit by an epidemic of Lassa Fever. General Hospital was quarantined for several weeks until a cure was found.
- In August 1981 the town experienced a blizzard in the midst of summer. The cause of this blizzard was determined to be Mikkos Cassadine's weather machine.
- In June of 1983, General Hospital was taken hostage.
- In 1987, a DVX hitman holds several GH staff hostage in the Hospital Cafeteria, threatening to unleash the MOX-36 virus. Bobbie Spencer is stabbed with a syringe filled with the virus and ends up paralyzed from the waist down but eventually recovers.
- In 1988, a bomb explodes in the main exhibition tent of the Port Charles Art Festival.
- In 1990, a blackout hit the city when Cesar Faison joined together the alien crystals from the planet Lumina.
- In February 1991, the Quartermaine S.S Tracy sank in the middle of Port Charles Harbor, unleashing toxic chemicals and causing an environmental disaster.
- In 1991, the town experienced an earthquake, which destroyed many homes and caused a lot of damage.
- In June 2001, a bus collided head on with a train near the city, interrupting the Nurses Ball, the social event of the year in Port Charles.
- In February 2004, the Port Charles Hotel burned down. The hotel was completely destroyed, but later rebuilt by Australian billionaire, Jasper Jacks, who renamed it the Metro Court after his now deceased wife, Courtney Matthews.
- In August 2004, many were trapped at the Quartermaine Mansion while a serial killer was on the loose, killing Sage Alcazar and Trent Parker. This person was Mary Bishop, who also tried to stab Emily Quartermaine.
- In 2005 Another hurricane struck the city of Port Charles, but fatalities and damage was light compared to the 1977 hurricane.
- In November 2005, two trains collided in the Glencoe tunnel which is located near the city.
- In February 2006, a deadly mutant strain of encephalitis had the hospital quarantined for a month and there were several fatalities.
- In August 2006, another blackout swept through Port Charles. As a result, Alexis, Sonny, and Kristina were stuck in the Metro Court restaurant, while Jason and Elizabeth were stuck at Jason's penthouse.
- In February 2007, the Metro Court Hotel's lobby was taken hostage and eventually, destroyed by an explosion. This Hostage Situation lasted for 12 hours, as well the hours leading up to the crisis.
- In October 2007, Nikolas Cassadine decided to throw a Black and White Ball for Emily and in honor of the late Dr. Alan Quartermaine. Soon enough, disaster struck in the form of Anthony Zacchara. But it later turned out that there was actually a second intruder - Diego Alcazar, who was the Text Message Killer (TMK). Diego strangled Emily to death.
- In January 2008, a man named Joe Smith strapped a bomb to himself, threatening to blow up the ER unless his wife Angie was given medical attention for her pregnancy.
[edit] Trivia
 |
Trivia sections are discouraged under Wikipedia guidelines. The article could be improved by integrating relevant items and removing inappropriate ones. |
- Prior to 1977, General Hospital was set in an unnamed city or town somewhere in the United States of America. In 1977, the show's setting was finally established as being in the fictional city of Port Charles.
- Between 1964 and 1966, Port Charles was also considered to be the setting of the failed soap opera, The Young Marrieds
- In 1993, the producers of "General Hospital" filmed several exterior locations in and around the Rochester, New York area - including Letchworth State Park, and the village of Perry, New York.
- While the fictional city of Port Charles is currently based on Rochester, Rochester does still exist as a separate location (in much the same way that New York City exists as a separate location from both Gotham City and Metropolis in the DC Universe despite the fact that both cities are obviously based on New York and have adopted some of New York's landmarks as their own).
- In 1996, the characters of Laura Spencer and Stefan Cassadine travelled to a house in Rochester to find Laura's long presumed dead mother Lesley Webber. The episodes in which this occurred suggested that Port Charles was within a few miles of Rochester, though no actual distance was given.
[edit] Further reading
Tropiano, Stephen (2000). TV Towns. New York, NY: TV Books L.L.C.. ISBN 1-57500-127-6.
|General Hospital Top Ten Catastrophes
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Fictional Cities in Daytime American Soap Operas
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| ABC Universe Pine Valley, Pennsylvania (All My Children) | Llanview, Pennsylvania (One Life to Live) | Port Charles, New York (General Hospital / Port Charles) |
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| CBS Universe Genoa City, Wisconsin (The Young & the Restless) | Springfield (Guiding Light) |
NBC Universe Salem (Days of our Lives) | Santa Barbara, California (Santa Barbara) |
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| The 101 Universe |
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| Fictional Cities in Primetime American Soap Operas | |||||||||||
| ABC Universe Port Charles, New York (Night Shift) |
CBS Universe |
NBC Universe |
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| Notes:
All ABC Soaps (except Dark Shadows & Ryan's Hope) share the same universe continuity, having many characters sporadically appear in more than one show. |
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