History Lesson

As I stated in the previous post, this is my week to learn about the general history of New Bedford. Now, my project will really deal with the present, but, mostly, the future of this city. So, why all the history? I really believe that heritage tourism can be an effective cure for cities {& towns} looking to expand their tax base - who doesn't want economic growth? Since the tourism industry includes direct & indirect businesses in their definition, this also incorporates things like train stations, airports, cafes, shops, etc -really anything a tourist might do while on a visit. Adding the sustainability factor on top of all this economic growth can really be viewed as an interesting marketing approach -let alone doing something good for the environment.

Anyways, back to history. I have a really simplistic overview of the basic history of New Bedford, but I really want to know as much as possible for this project- & not just so I feel confident when I discuss it! The big picture history, such as whaling, industry, connections to the Underground Railroad are all things that can be used to define a city, but the smaller, more unusual aspects of its past can be used to garner repeat visitations & foster curiosity from outsiders, but more importantly from residents. A large aspect of sustainable tourism focuses on local, this is for many reasons, but in my opinion it's because while weekend trips from people 100 miles, give or take, away is a great thing to strive for, this is a once or a once in awhile visitor. Residents, in town or nearby, should be the main audience catered to since they can form a network of permanent patrons.

So, what did I learn about New Bedford's history this week? Well, for one thing, that there is a whole lot more to learn, but here are some highlights. All these tidbits, as well as the photographs, were garnered from the City of New Bedford website, under the Tourism & Marketing section {go here to read more}:

• New Bedford's discovery by English explorers occured 18 years before Plymouth {!}

• 3 major industries were whaling, manufacture of cotton goods, & general fishing -which still brings in money today {about $800 million/year}
• Greatest whaling port in the world {surpassed Nantucket in this endeavor by the early 19th century}
• Inspired Herman Melville to write Moby Dick
• When petroleum gas was discovered in Pennsylvania in 1859, New Bedford began a state of decline since their economy rested largely on whaling & it's products {i.e whale oil} & by this time the whale had been hunted to near extinction
• The first dedicated YMCA in the country {in 1891} was in New Bedford {NW corner of William & 6th. The original building was demolished in 1975, after a lot of public outcry. This loss started the historic preservation movement in the city.} {!}
• After the cotton/fabric mills moved south {for cheaper production costs}, the needle trade {skilled stitching, fine clothing} remained. New Bedford remains the location for the production of some of the finest brands of men's suits.
• Massachusetts abolished slavery in 1780. The nation abolished it, with the passing of the Thirteenth Amendment, in 1865. New Bedford had long before either of these dates eradicated the practice. It was known as a location for abolitionists & the Underground Railroad. Frederick Douglas lived here from 1838 - 1841.

• From it's earliest days, New Bedford was a cosmopolitan city with immigrants from Ireland, Portugal {& it's many islands}, Cape Verde, French Canada, Czech Republic, Guatemala, Italy, Germany, Norway, Lebanon, Greece, Russia, & more
• Great water connections. "...true wealth in the 21st century & its key to future growth, is its abundance of clean water, the quality & quantity of which is unsurpassed in all of southern New England."
• As a result of the frequent onslaught of hurricanes, a 3.5 mile long stone barrier was constructed between 1962 and 1966. It cost $18.1 million & is the largest stone structure on the East Coast of the United States. It also made New Bedford the safest port on the eastern seaboard.

• In November of 1996, the US Congress set aside 34 acres, consisting of 13 city blocks, in downtown to create the New Bedford Whaling National Historic Park.
• Tourism is a fast growing segment of the local economy. New Bedford is defining itself as the "city of art."