New Bedford Pathways: Tour 2 "Old Bedford Village"

OLD BEDFORD VILLAGE

New Bedford Pathways

The area bounded by the Acushnet River, Union, and County Streets forms part of the original tract of land, which in 1760 defined what would become the city of New Bedford. That year, Joseph Russell sold lots to ship builders, carpenters, and housewrights, and the Village of Bedford was established. In 1765, Joseph Rotch came from Nantucket to exploit the natural deepwater port found here. In a short time, whale hunting became a local preoccupation, and a very successful one after the War of 1812. At the height of the Whaling Era (1825-1925) there were 329 whaling and trading vessels registered in New Bedford. This port became one of the busiest in the world. The homes built by whaling captains, who had by now become international merchants, still line the streets of New Bedford. New Bedford also attracted formerly enslaved men and women seeking freedom being a stop in the Underground Railroad and the presence of the Anti-Slavery Society. There were also opportunities for employment in the whaling industry and a coastal trading system that provided escaping slaves opportunities to hide on vessels heading to New Bedford from southern ports.

Tour curated by Jan da Silva

New Bedford Preservation Society Board Member

Tour Produced by: Patricia Daughton

Photo Credits:

Steve Gladstone

Spinner Publications

New Bedford Whaling Musuem

Patricia Daughton

Kayla Rausch

New Bedford Free Public Library

This program is funded in part by Mass Humanities, which receives support from the Massachusetts Cultural Council and is an affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities.