New Bedford audiotours

New Bedford, located on the southern coast of Massachusetts, boasts a rich history that dates back to the early 1600s. Originally settled by the English in 1652, the city was initially part of the larger township of Dartmouth. It was not until 1787 that New Bedford became an independent community.

One of the most significant early events in New Bedford's history was the establishment of its whaling industry in the early 19th century. This thriving sector transformed New Bedford into one of the richest cities in the United States during the 1850s, earning it the nickname "The Whaling Capital of the World." The city's strategic location along the Acushnet River made it an ideal port for whaling ships.