On a cold New England morning in 1841, Herman Melville, departed the historic city of New Bedford on a 359-ton whaleship.
At the time, New Bedford was heralded as the “whaling capital of the world.”
The 21-year-old Melville signed on to a whaling crew for the next 18 months, following the death of his father. That formative year and a half on a whaling crew inspired what would become the literary legend, Moby Dick.
Melville wrote Moby Dick ten years later in Pittsfield, Massachusetts, heavily referencing New Bedford and his whaling experience throughout the novel.
For those looking to explore some of the places mentioned in the novel, New Bedford is just one hour from Boston. The port is filled with history and an abundance of sailing activity.
While many of the historic spots mentioned in the novel are no longer here, book lovers should note that Seamen’s Bethel is still standing all these years later. Curious visitors who want to explore more of New Bedford’s whaling history should check out the New Bedford Whaling Museum. Nantucket, which was also a major whaling destination is just a ferry ride from New Bedford.
