98 Front Street, McCullough Building, c. 1820-1840

98 Front Street, McCullough Building, c. 1820-1840

Constructed c. 1820-1840, this brick and rubble stone McCullough Building has seen many commercial uses. In 1864, it was purchased by John McCullough, who operated his ship's chandlery and salvage businesses here. McCullough came here from Ireland in 1847 and eventually opened his own business and invested in whaling. He was part owner of seven whaling ships. When McCullough arrived in New Bedford from Ireland, there were no churches of his religion. John was one of the first to begin the movement to form St. Mary's Parish, which later became St. Lawrence Parish. In 1870, he was elected to public office in New Bedford. The McCullough Building was heavily damaged by a fire in 1940 that left only the stone of the ground floor intact. The building was rebuilt in 1978 to its three-story height. Today the building houses both commercial and residential uses.