Posted on April 26, 2008 by Greg Stone
Shipbuilding took place all along the river. Thomas Winslow, a shipbuilder from Assonet, bought land east of The Landing. He was the master carpenter and namesake for the last large vessel to be built at the Head, the Thomas Winslow. Built in 1828, it was 135 tons, 73 feet in length, breadth 21 feet, depth […]
Continue ReadingPosted on April 26, 2008 by Greg Stone
(Click picture for a larger image.) The Landing has been a vital area in the history of the town of Westport. In the 18th and 19th centuries the landing was filled with a number of buildings that served the commercial interests of the area. Most importantly it was the scene of boat and ship construction, […]
Continue ReadingPosted on April 26, 2008 by Greg Stone
Waterpower was key to the Head’s development in the 1700’s and to its involvement in the whaling industry. The river, which dropped nearly 40 feet just before the Head, provided consistent and abundant energy to power mills. George Lawton, one of the first to exploit this natural phenomenon, built a saw and grist mill north […]
Continue ReadingPosted on April 26, 2008 by Greg Stone
It is hard to imagine today, but 200 years ago, the Head of Westport was a dynamic community of merchants, millers, shipbuilders and sailors. It epitomized the entrepreneurial spirit, more so than any other part of Westport. The Head of Westport was perfectly positioned for the whaling industry, located on a fortunate natural confluence of […]
Continue ReadingPosted on April 26, 2008 by Greg Stone
“Down to the Sea in Ships” was a unique and highly popular film about whaling. Made in the 1920’s, it included many local people who had been directly involved in the whaling industry. The author of the script, John L. E. Pell, had been inspired by his visits to Westport Point in 1890’s. “We stayed […]
Continue ReadingPosted on April 26, 2008 by Greg Stone
Westport’s whaling activities consisted of over 300 voyages made by Westport registered vessels over a period of about 100 years between 1775 and 1879. By 1855 Westport was homeport for between 18-22 whaling ships, employing hundreds of men. With the discovery of petroleum in 1859, the whaling industry gradually declined. The voyage of the Andrew […]
Continue ReadingPosted on April 26, 2008 by Greg Stone
George and Mary was purchased by the New Bedford Veteran Firemen in 1896, and burned as part of a celebratory bonfire on Crow Island. Bill of sale for George and Mary [Photograph showing George and Mary intact NBWM] [Photograph showing the George and Mary bonfire NBWM]
Continue ReadingPosted on April 26, 2008 by Greg Stone
Whaling bark Catherwood of Westport was totally lost on the Island of Narbio, one of the Galapagos group. Capt. Oliver states that she went ashore about 1AM in thick fog and dead calm. They commenced towing the vessel offshore but the swell was so heavy that in less than half an hour she struck and […]
Continue ReadingPosted on April 26, 2008 by Greg Stone
There are conflicting reports of this incident. Some reports identify a different whaling ship (not from Westport). So please do your research before assuming that this story is historically accurate!! Crew of the whaling ship President [of Westport] attacked by natives of Easter Island just as they had reached the shore to trade. Mr. Robert […]
Continue ReadingPosted on April 26, 2008 by Greg Stone
The British Barque Raja Bassa picked up the boat of the American whaling barque Champion [of Westport], with Capt. Gifford and several men on board. The boat had been separated from her companions while engaged in the pursuit of three whales, off the Isle of Ascension. Capt. Gifford and his men were on board the […]
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