New Bedford, Massachusetts

New Bedford is the sixth largest city in Massachusetts, USA. Covering 24 sq mi (62.2 sq km), it has a population of 95,000 people (2011 estimate). The city is located in Bristol County, on the southern part of Massachusetts, at the estuary of the Acushnet River as it empties into Buzzards Bay.

Duff Building, downtown New Bedford
Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Downtown_New_Bedford_MA.jpg
Author: Marcbela

More on New Bedford

The inhabitants of the area, before the arrival of Europeans were the Wampanoag tribe of Native Americans. The first Europeans arrived here in 1652. Settlers of the Plymouth Colony bought land from the Wampanoag chief Massasoit (whether this was done legitimately has become a matter of controversy) which soon led to troubles between the settlers and the Indians.

The town of New Bedford was incorporated in 1787. Until the beginning of the 19th century, the early settlers were mostly Protestants of English, Scottish and Welsh ancestry. They were joined in the 19th century by Irish, Portuguese and Polish immigrants who built Catholic churches in the area. By the early 20th century, Jewish immigrants were also settling in the town.

New Baptist Church, New Bedford
Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:First_Baptist_New_Bedford.jpg
Author: Marcbela


From the early 18th century until the early 20th century, New Bedford was a major whaling port. In addition it had the first petroleum refinery in the United States. The city also had a textile industry that only declined with the Great Depression.

Today the economy of New Bedford depends on fishing, manufacturing and healthcare. Tourism is a secondary but growing industry in the area.

Visiting New Bedford

Interstate 195 is the main highway passing through New Bedford. Other highways in the city include Routes 140 and 6.

New Bedford Fire Museum
Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:New_Bedford_Fire_Museum.jpg
Author: Daniel Case

Places of Interest in New Bedford

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