History of New Bedford, Massachusetts
New Bedford, Massachusetts, often referred to as "The Whaling City," boasts a history as deep and vast as the ocean that frames its picturesque shores. Nestled along Buzzards Bay on the South Coast, New Bedford’s story is one of transformation—from its early days as a farming village to becoming the world's most important whaling port in the 19th century. Learn more about the geography of New Bedford.
The area now known as New Bedford was originally inhabited by the Wampanoag people, who called it Acushnet. In 1652, English settlers purchased the land, and the community grew modestly as a fishing and farming settlement. By the late 18th century, however, New Bedford's fortunes began to change with the emergence of the whaling industry.
The city's ideal coastal location and natural harbor made it a hub for whaling, attracting entrepreneurs, skilled sailors, and laborers from around the globe. By the mid-19th century, New Bedford was the epicenter of the whaling industry, renowned for its fleet of whaling ships and innovations in oil extraction and processing. Whale oil, used for lighting and lubrication, became a highly sought-after commodity, driving the city’s prosperity.
New Bedford’s prominence as a whaling port was immortalized in Herman Melville’s 1851 classic, Moby-Dick. Visitors to the city can still explore landmarks from this era, such as the New Bedford Whaling Museum and the Seamen’s Bethel, which Melville referenced in his novel.
As the whaling industry declined in the late 19th century due to the rise of petroleum and changes in industrial needs, New Bedford pivoted to textile manufacturing. The city became a leading producer of cotton and other textiles, attracting a new wave of immigrants, particularly Portuguese and Cape Verdean workers, who contributed to its vibrant cultural fabric.
In the 20th century, the city faced economic challenges as the textile industry waned, but New Bedford reinvented itself once again. Today, it thrives as a center for commercial fishing, particularly scalloping, and remains one of the most active ports in the United States. Additionally, New Bedford has embraced its history and cultural diversity, becoming a destination for art, tourism, and heritage preservation.
From its Wampanoag roots to its whaling heyday, through industrial shifts and cultural renaissance, New Bedford’s story is one of resilience and reinvention. Whether you visit the historic waterfront, explore its museums, or experience its thriving arts scene, the city’s rich history is woven into every corner of this dynamic coastal community.