New Bedford’s Place in American History

New Bedford, MA, was once home to the Wampanoag Native Americans. Today, it is a thriving community known for its fishing fleet and seafood. In fact, it brought in more than any other fishing port in the country in 2019. On the Acushnet River, this area is one anyone would love to call home. 

The History of New Bedford

English settlers obtained the land on which New Bedford sits today in 1652, when they purchased this land from the Wampanoag. It wasn’t until later in the 17th century, however, that English Quakers settled there. In 1787, the town was officially incorporated. 

New Bedford became known as a prominent whaling port during the early 1800s. In fact, at one point, it was the wealthiest city in the world when looking at per capita. 

The residents were abolitionists and welcomed escaped and freed slaves. Frederick Douglass actually lived in New Bedford from 1838 to 1841, as the city was part of the Underground Railroad, a network dedicated to helping fugitives find refuge.

Herman Melville wrote Moby-Dick in 1851, using New Bedford as the setting. In addition, during the latter half of the 19th century, this city was home to the Revenue Cutter School of Instruction. This was the school that developed into the United States Coast Guard Academy.

New Bedford produced cotton yarns and textiles during this same period. 
Today, New Bedford is the ninth-largest city in Massachusetts. Many Portuguese Americans live here.

New Bedford

New Bedford, often referred to as the “city that lit the world”, comes with a rich history. The Wampanoag Native Americans lived along the Acushnet River prior to the 17th century. In 1652, the settlers purchased Old Dartmouth from the Wampanoag, and this area included what is now known as New Bedford. 

After the American Revolution, the town of New Bedford was officially incorporated. This took place on February 23, 1787, with the name being suggested by the Russell family, prominent citizens in the area. 

A city by the name of Bedford has previously been incorporated, which is why they included New in the town’s name. However, it wasn’t until March 18, 1847, that New Bedford actually became a city. 

During the late 18th century, the town grew dramatically. The whaling industry attracted carpenters, shipwrights, blacksmiths, and more, leading to a thriving maritime community. Everyone was welcome to live in the area. 

With the discovery of petroleum in Pennsylvania, the whaling industry declined. The city shifted to textile manufacturing, which eventually led to more prosperity than the whaling industry. Today, fishing and manufacturing remain the two biggest industries in the area, although healthcare has become a major player in the region. 

New Bedford Demographics

As reported by the United States Census Bureau, 101,179 people called New Bedford home as of April 2020. However, the bureau estimates that figure has dropped slightly in the past few years. 

Of these residents, 61 percent fall between the ages of 18 and 65. Almost 61 percent are Caucasian, six percent are black, and 23 percent report they are Hispanic or Latino. Twenty percent of the residents of New Bedford between the period spanning 2017 to 2021 report they were foreign born. 

New Bedford was home to 41,395 households during that same time period, with 2.38 individuals living in each household. Thirty-nine percent of the homes were occupied by the owner, and the median house value for that time frame was $258,300. 

Seventy-five percent of individuals age 18 or older possessed a high school diploma between 2017 and 2021. Of these individuals, 17 percent possessed a higher degree. 

Town Parks

New Bedford has 22 parks residents and visitors benefit from. Abolition Row Park is being developed in the part of town where several establishments important to the anti-slavery movement and Underground Railroad are located.

This park will share the local history of the abolitionists and their push to end slavery, as many of these individuals lived in the area.

This park will also include a statue of Frederick Douglass to commemorate his work in freeing slaves. 

Clasky Common Park and the Allen C. Haskell Public Gardens are popular attractions in the area.

Parents love the Baby Kenney Tot Lot, and dog owners often spend their weekends at Captain Jack Peterson Dog Park, so their dogs can have fun with friends. 

Educational Opportunities

New Bedford is home to 20 elementary schools, three middle schools, and three high schools, two of which are alternative junior-senior high schools. In addition, the public education system offers access to adult continuing education and Sea Lab Marine Science Education. 

Parents may choose to send their children to one of three Catholic private schools in the city. T

here is also a school operated by the Church of the Nazarene and independent schools such as Nativity Prep for boys in fifth through eighth grade. 

For those who wish to pursue higher education, Fisher College has a neighborhood campus in New Bedford.

Bristol Community College has a location in downtown New Bedford, and many individuals choose to attend the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth, which is a short drive from the city. Bridgewater State University operates its aviation program out of the New Bedford Regional Airport.

Neighborhoods

Individuals wishing to move to New Bedford find they have many neighborhoods to choose from. This includes Bliss Corner, Montys, and Pine Hill. Other options include Durfee Street, West End, and Riverview. 

Neighborhoods close to downtown offer easy access to the city’s museums, art galleries, restaurants, and more. A house in one of the North End neighborhoods is ideal for those who love to attend festivals and visit the International Marketplace. 

Water lovers should consider a home in the South End. Purchasing in this area will provide them with breathtaking views of the harbor. You can visit Fort Taber Park and the Military Museum every day if you choose to live in this area. 

The West End brings to mind the days when the whaling industry was thriving. Here, you will find gorgeous Queen Anne, Colonial, Victorian, and Greek Revival homes. The homes are nestled among tree-lined streets, leaving one feeling nostalgic every time they visit.

When moving, you may find many items you don’t wish to take. The family won’t use them in the new home. In addition, you may find more items once you move that are no longer needed. Call us. We have a dumpster rental in New Bedford MA, that can help you dispose of these items quickly and efficiently. 

If you choose us as your local dumpster service, we treat you with respect at all times. We founded this dumpster company with the goal of providing outstanding service, communication, and transparency. 

Our team knows how difficult a move can be, even when it is one that is highly anticipated, and will work to ease the process for you. 

When you need a dumpster rental in New Bedford, MA, we have a range of sizes to choose from. Some projects require a small dumpster, while others call for a 30 or 40 yard container. We have a range of sizes available, as we want our local dumpster service to be the only one you need to call for help. 

Contact us today for a free estimate. Our Precision Disposal team remains available to answer questions, address concerns, and provide these estimates. All you need to do is ask. 

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