The Head of Westport – A Waterway to the World
It is hard to imagine today, but 200 years ago, the Head of Westport was a dynamic community of merchants, […]
Building Ships at the Head of Westport
Whaling folks
Down to the Sea in Ships – A film Inspired by a Westport Whaling Master
“Down to the Sea in Ships” was a unique and highly popular film about whaling. Made in the 1920’s, it […]
Whaling Vessels
Whaling Vessels out of Westport Point
Westport’s whaling activities consisted of over 300 voyages made by Westport registered vessels over a period of about 100 years […]
Whaling Disasters
George and Mary: Burned!
George and Mary was purchased by the New Bedford Veteran Firemen in 1896, and burned as part of a celebratory […]
Whaling Disasters
Whaling bark Catherwood: Shipwrecked!
Whaling bark Catherwood of Westport was totally lost on the Island of Narbio, one of the Galapagos group. Capt. Oliver […]
Whaling Disasters
Whaling ship President: Attacked by Natives!
There are conflicting reports of this incident. Some reports identify a different whaling ship (not from Westport). So please do […]
Whaling Disasters
Champion: Lost!
The British Barque Raja Bassa picked up the boat of the American whaling barque Champion [of Westport], with Capt. Gifford […]
Whaling Disasters
Janet: The Crew Member’s Account
THE STORY OF A SURVIVOR In the winter of 1849, the northeastern coast of America was visited by one of […]
Whaling Disasters
Janet: The Captain’s Account
THE MERCURY NEW BEDFORD, OCT 17-18,1849 Dreadful Suffering At Sea- We have received a letter from Capt. Hosmer, later master […]
Whaling Disasters
Cannibalism? A Difference of Opinion.
Westport’s most gruesome catastrophe befell the crew of the Janet in 1849. While chasing a whale, the master and several […]