Twentieth-Century Whaling - New Bedford MA
Posted by: 
Don.Morfe
N 41° 38.076 W 070° 55.392
19T E 339813 N 4610994
As New Bedford’s whaling industry declined in the 19th century, more than a dozen other nations began hunting whales using “modern” Norwegian methods, with fast, steam-powered vessels and heavy-gauge harpoon cannon.
Waymark Code: WM16C1K
Location: Massachusetts, United States
Date Posted: 06/26/2022
Views: 1
TEXT on the Historical Marker
Twentieth-Century Whaling
New Bedford Whaling National Historic Park
— National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior —
Twentieth-Century Whaling-As New Bedford’s whaling industry declined in the 19th century, more than a dozen other nations began hunting whales using “modern” Norwegian methods, with fast, steam-powered vessels and heavy-gauge harpoon cannon. More whales were caught in just a few decades than had been captured during the previous 200 years. Concern for the survival of whales lead to an international ban on whaling in 1986.
Before the claw was introduced, whalemen who worked aboard large, 20th century factory ships had to go down into the bottom of the ship’s steep slipway and fasten a steel cable to the whale’s flukes. This was difficult and dangerous work, especially in a rough sea. But a claw, like the one pictured here, could be maneuvered mechanically with cables and winches, without anyone having to risk doing it by hand. Gjelstad Claw (displayed here)-Hauling-up appliance for whales, patented 1931. Manufactured in Norway, circa 1940s. Gift of the South Georgia Whaling Museum and the Royal Governor of the Falklands Islands, 1993. The harpoon-cannon displayed here was developed to fire massive exploding harpoons from the bow of fast, steam powered chaser-boats. This cannon likely began its career in Antarctica, and was last used for shore whaling from Coal Harbour, British Columbia (Canada), until that whaling station closed in 1967. Manufactured in Norway, 1936 model, Gift of the Vancouver Maritime Museum, 1886.
Agency Responsible for Placement: National Park Service
County: Bristol
City/Town Name: New Bedford
Relevant Web Site: [Web Link]
Agency Responsible for Placement (if not in list above): Not listed
Year Placed: Not listed
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