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New Bedford, Massachusetts

Located in Bristol County, Massachusetts, New Bedford was founded in 1652. New Bedford has been the highest-value fishing port in the U.S. for over 20 consecutive years. Moby Dick's opening line 'Call me Ishmael' begins in New Bedford.
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Founded 1652 | Population 101,000 | Peak 101,000 (2024) | County Bristol County

Top 10 Most Important Events for New Bedford, Massachusetts

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1652Founded: New Bedford was founded as a maritime community in Bristol County.
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1765Whaling Capital: Becomes world's greatest whaling port.
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1851Moby Dick Setting: Melville's novel begins in New Bedford.
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1928Textile Mills: Cotton textile manufacturing peak.
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2020Fishing Port: Highest-value fishing port in U.S. for 20+ years.
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Complete Historical Timeline

1652 Culture
Founded
1765 Industry
Whaling Capital
1851 Culture
Moby Dick Setting
1928 Industry
Textile Mills
2020 Business
Fishing Port

Did You Know?

1
New Bedford has been the highest-value fishing port in the U.S. for over 20 consecutive years.
2
Moby Dick's opening line 'Call me Ishmael' begins in New Bedford.
3
Was once the wealthiest city per capita in the world due to whaling.
4
New Bedford is located in Bristol County, Massachusetts.
5
New Bedford was founded in 1652.
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