Introducing New Bedford
During its heyday as a whaling port (1765–1860), New Bedford commanded as many as 400 whaling ships. This vast fleet brought home hundreds of thousands of barrels of whale oil for lighting America’s lamps. Novelist Herman Melville worked on one of these ships for four years, and thus set his celebrated novel, Moby-Dick; or, The Whale, in New Bedford.
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When petroleum and electricity supplanted whale oil, New Bedford turned to fishing, scalloping and textile production for its wealth. In recent years the New Bedford economy has floundered and parts of the city are pretty run-down. But the city center has its charms: cobblestone streets and gas lanterns recall the romance of the 19th century, while the National Historical Park designation commemorates the whaling heritage.
Last updated: Feb 17, 2009
Thorn Tree forum discussion
Recent posts
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RE: New England in June
by bleen68 03 February 2011
On your way down from Boston, I recommend a stop at New Bedford. They have preserved the historic area some of which is described on…
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RE: New England sampler
by mrpenney 01 August 2010
Sounds like a great trip--your report brings back memories of all those places for me. I'm especially glad you went to New Bedford and…
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New England sampler
by bleen68 31 July 2010
Following three days in Boston, reported on earlier, we picked up a rental car in downtown Boston and immediately headed south. Our seven…
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