HISTORY and INTERESTING FACTS
HISTORY:
"The Whaling City" because it was, during the nineteenth century, one of the most important whaling ports in the world. During this time New Bedford became one of the richest per capita cities in the world. Starting around 1850 the textile industry help New Bedford remain wealthy. Textile became a bigger part of New Bedford's economy by the early 20th. century and made New Bedford one of the biggest textile centers in the country.
the #1 fishing port in the country.
New Bedford was a stop on the underground railroad. Fredrick Douglas the abolitionist called New Bedford home for period of time. Herman Melville also called New Bedford home for period of time and wrote one of America's most read books, Moby Dick. The movie Moby Dick featured many scenes of 1850's New Bedford and the world premier took place in
New Bedford.
New Bedford.
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| Whalemen Statue - City Hall Square, Downtown |
DID YOU KNOW...
New Bedford is known for many first, including: the first public school to fly the American flag and the first city to fly the American flag illuminated at night. The first regiment in the country's history formed entirely by African-American troops (who served with white officers).
New Bedford has the first public zoo in the state and one of the first public libraries.
The longest and largest hurricane barrier on the east coast is located here.
The barrier stretches over three miles along the shoreline.
The barrier stretches over three miles along the shoreline.
New Bedford is the only city on the east coast to have 3 working lighthouses.
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| Whaling Museum - Downtown Historic District |
MUSEUMS and ATTRACTIONS:
The world's largest Whaling Museum with a 1/2 scale model of a whaling ship located inside the museum. The Whaling Museum is located in the 13-block, 20-acre New Bedford National Historic Park which encompasses the downtown historic district. The historic district has many restored period buildings, cobblestone streets, gas lamp style lighting, a variety of Greek Revival architecture, gift shops, art galleries, fine restaurants and cafes.
Fort Taber Park and Military Museum is located in the far south end of the city. This museum preserves the city's military history, its contribution to the Civil War and the massive stone fort built in 1857.
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| Seamen's Bethel - Downtown Historic District |
Seamen's Bethel also known as the " Whaleman's Chapel" in Herman Melville's classic novel "Moby Dick". Seamen's Bethel is located across the street from the Whaling Museum.U.S. Custom House featuring four large granite columns and a grand Classical portico. This Greek Revival building is the oldest continuously operating custom house in the nation and is located in the downtown historic district.
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| Fort Tabor @ Fort Tabor Park, South End of City |
Buttonwood Park Zoo located in the city's west end, features over 150 animals representing over 35 different species. The zoo also houses two rare Asian elephants and is New Bedford's premier recreation center. Voted: "One of the best small zoo's in the country".
New Bedford Free Public Library located downtown has one of the largest collections of historical and genealogical materials and whaling log books in the world.
New Bedford Art Museum located downtown has a rich and historic art collection, as well as paintings by regional artist.
Saint Anthony of Padua Church located in the north end of the city is built of red stone, this French Renaissance church features one of the largest crosses in the world.
Another feature of the church is the 250-foot steeple, the tallest in New England.
BEACHES:
East and West Beach are located in the far south end of the city.
Both beaches have lifeguards and are officially open from May 15th. - Sept. 15.
East Beach located on East Rodney French Blvd. has free parking in 3 lots located across the street from the beach.
West Beach (Municipal Beach) located on West Rodney French Blvd. has only on street parking.
Hazewood Park is located across the street from the West Beach.
Both beaches are free to the public and are family friendly.
East Beach located on East Rodney French Blvd. has free parking in 3 lots located across the street from the beach.
West Beach (Municipal Beach) located on West Rodney French Blvd. has only on street parking.
Hazewood Park is located across the street from the West Beach.
Both beaches are free to the public and are family friendly.
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