NANTUCKET WAS AN UNKNOWN SPIT OF SAND SOUTH OF CAPE COD
A map of Nantucket, 1700
English explorers merely sailed for the mainland when they saw Nantucket. The island was covered in sand and hardwood forests, its only inhabitants were Wampanoag Indians. It was not until 1641 that the island was sold to English settlers.
Location of the Island:
- 30 miles south of mainland Chatham, MA
- Direct access to Atlantic
- Nantucket Sound and Northern Atlantic ocean were filled with whales
Location of the Island:
- 30 miles south of mainland Chatham, MA
- Direct access to Atlantic
- Nantucket Sound and Northern Atlantic ocean were filled with whales
The Early Days
The island was purchased from the Wampanoag Indians in 1641. In the early days, Nantucket's population focused on herding sheep and other livestock instead of agriculture, as the soil was sandy and infertile.
As the island became more populous, hardwood forests were cut down to make settlements and build houses. Excess wood was used in the construction of small boats; there was not enough wood to build large ships.
Residents of the island quickly noticed all of the whales surrounding the island. They keenly watched the Native Americans whenever a whale washed ashore. It became clear that they would eventually the whales to make money.
As the island became more populous, hardwood forests were cut down to make settlements and build houses. Excess wood was used in the construction of small boats; there was not enough wood to build large ships.
Residents of the island quickly noticed all of the whales surrounding the island. They keenly watched the Native Americans whenever a whale washed ashore. It became clear that they would eventually the whales to make money.
NEW BEDFORD WAS A TYPICAL TOWN IN THE NEW WORLD
New Bedford shoreline. 1706
New Bedford was founded in 1652 after purchase from Chief Massasoit of Wampanoag Indian tribe. Europeans began to flood into the town, and within a matter of years, it was a thriving community.
Location:
New Bedford is located on the Nantucket Sound, with Cuttyhunk Island jutting out quite far. It is located about 75 miles away from Nantucket. Since the city is bordered by ocean on the Southern side, the harbor became one of the largest in New England very quickly.
Location:
New Bedford is located on the Nantucket Sound, with Cuttyhunk Island jutting out quite far. It is located about 75 miles away from Nantucket. Since the city is bordered by ocean on the Southern side, the harbor became one of the largest in New England very quickly.
From Town to City
New Bedford grew rapidly; the steady flow of immigrants transformed it into a commerce center within a few years post-establishment. As the grew, the economy diversified. The city became a place to trade goods, as the large harbor had sailors and merchants selling their products.
The port also grew. Fishing and shipbuilding became very profitable industries.
- Fishermen also began to notice more and more whales.
- The Nantucket Sound was chock-full of the cetaceans.
- They also had access to Long Island Sound, another body of water very close by
- Both contained high numbers of whales
- Followed in Nantucket's footsteps; began whaling shortly after 1700.
The port also grew. Fishing and shipbuilding became very profitable industries.
- Fishermen also began to notice more and more whales.
- The Nantucket Sound was chock-full of the cetaceans.
- They also had access to Long Island Sound, another body of water very close by
- Both contained high numbers of whales
- Followed in Nantucket's footsteps; began whaling shortly after 1700.