The whaling industry drove the early American economy. By the early 1800s, it was one of the most profitable enterprises in the United States, second only to textiles. Whale products were so valuable that people made fortunes. They also lost fortunes. Some lost their lives. While a life at sea seems like a great venture for some and adventure for others, whaling expeditions were dangerous. The competition was fierce. The elements were harsh. The journeys were long. The outcome of each voyage was unknown. Learn more about the men who sponsored these expeditions, the captains that manned the ships, the wives and children who sometimes accompanied them, and the men who signed on for these perilous jobs in search of the giants of the sea. See the ships that sailed, trace the fishing routes and find out why the whaling center moved from Nantucket to New Bedford and then to Provincetown. Local historian Dr. Michael Pregot packs a lot into this brief history of whaling. Permission to come on board.

свернуть