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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.

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?

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.

Was once the wealthiest city per capita in the world due to whaling.

New Bedford is located in Bristol County, Massachusetts.

New Bedford was founded in 1652.

Famous People from New Bedford, Massachusetts

John Tukey

Computer Scientist, Politician · Born Jun 16, 1915 · Died Jul 26, 2000 (age 85)

Hetty Green

Financier · Born Nov 21, 1834 · Died Jul 3, 1916 (age 81)

Albert Pinkham Ryder

Painter · Born Mar 19, 1847 · Died Mar 28, 1917 (age 70)

Irwin M. Jacobs

Businessperson, Academic · Born Oct 18, 1933 · Age 92

Arnie Oliver

Association Football Coach, Association Football Player · Born May 22, 1907 · Died Oct 16, 1993 (age 86)

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