Middleport was founded during the 1820s, a time of great prosperity and rapidly increasing commerce in Meigs County.

The village was founded as "Sheffield",[4] and throughout its history it has also used the names of "Coalport" and "Salisbury".

[5] The name Middleport refers to the city's location on the Ohio River halfway between Pittsburgh and Cincinnati.

[6] Three Middleport buildings, the John Downing Jr. House, the William H. Grant House, and the Middleport Public Library, are listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

[7] Middleport is located along the Ohio River at the mouth of Leading Creek.

35.9% of all households were made up of individuals, and 16.1% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older.

35.7% of all households were made up of individuals, and 17.6% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older.

Public education in the village of Middleport is provided by the Meigs Local School District.