New Bedford

New Bedford sits on the southeastern coast of Massachusetts and has a deep natural harbor surrounded by historic residential neighborhoods and 19th-century waterfront buildings. The streets of the downtown area rise from the water onto gentle hills, where residential areas alternate with parks and public facilities.

English settlers purchased land from the Wampanoag in 1652 and founded a settlement that rose to become a global whaling center in the 19th century. The boom lasted until around 1860, when petroleum replaced the need for whale oil and the fleet shrank.

The city takes its name from Bedford in England, reflecting the origins of the early settlers who arrived in this coastal region. Visitors today explore the historic waterfront district and local museums, where they can see maritime traditions and craftsmanship from the whaling ship era.

Buses connect downtown several times a day with Boston and Providence, while the regional airport offers smaller connections within the area. Visitors find public parking near the harbor and can explore the center on foot, as many attractions lie close together.

Since 1999, the fishing port here has earned the highest revenue of any American harbor every year, with the fleet specializing mostly in scallops. These shellfish are harvested throughout the North Atlantic and processed directly at the docks before being shipped across the USA and overseas.

Location: Bristol County

Inception: 1640

Elevation above the sea: 15 m

Website: https://newbedford-ma.gov

GPS coordinates: 41.63611,-70.93472

Latest update: December 12, 2025 21:45