New Bedford MA Moving Companies

New Bedford, Massachusetts

With a population of approximately 100,000, the city of New Bedford, Massachusetts is the world’s most famous whaling era seaport and the number one fishing port in America. This city is a wonderfully diverse, culturally rich community with a proud present, past and future. New Bedford is dotted with beautifully maintained parks and public beaches. Those moving to New Bedford will discover an unbeatable quality of life as well as a great place to live, work, and raise a family.

History:
Europeans first settled New Bedford in 1652. Plymouth Colony settlers purchased the land from chief Massasoit of the Wampanoag tribe. Whether the transfer of the land was legitimately done has been the subject of intense controversy. Like other native tribes, the Wampanoags did not share the settlers' concepts of private property. The tribe believed they were granting usage rights to the land, not giving it up permanently. The settlers used the land to build the colonial town of Old Dartmouth. A section of Old Dartmouth near the west bank of the Acushnet River, originally called Bedford Village, was officially incorporated as the town of New Bedford in 1787. The Russell family who were prominent citizens of the community suggested the name. It comes from the fact that the Dukes of Bedford, a leading English aristocratic house, also bore the surname Russell. (Bedford, Massachusetts had already been incorporated by 1787; hence "New" Bedford.) The late-18th century was a time of growth for the town. New Bedford's first newspaper, The Medley, came into being in 1792. On June 12, 1792, the town set up its first post office with William Tobey as its first postmaster. The construction of a bridge (originally a toll bridge) between New Bedford and present-day Fairhaven in 1796 also spurred growth. The town of New Bedford officially became a city in 1847. Abraham Hathaway Howland was elected its first mayor. At approximately the same time, New Bedford began to supplant Nantucket as the nation's preeminent whaling port, thanks to its deeper harbor and location on the mainland. Whaling dominated the economy of the city for much of the century.

Economy:
The New Bedford Business Park, located in the far north end of the city, employs over 2500 people and accounts for approximately $650 million in sales revenue. Extensive infrastructure improvements are underway throughout the complex. Recently, eight real estate purchases and five expansions in the park are estimated to account for an additional 1500 jobs and $1 billion in total sales revenue. Preeminent international companies call New Bedford home, including Titleist and Foot-Joy Worldwide, Polaroid, Johnson & Johnson and American Flexible Conduit. Some major construction projects in the city recently completed include the $10 million expansion of the New Bedford Whaling Museum expansion, Buttonwood Park Zoo expansion, Roosevelt Middle School, Compass Bank Headquarters, Star Store Campus of the University of Massachusetts at Dartmouth, Airport Terminal renovation, Main Library restoration, Fire Museum expansion, freight ferry terminal construction, South Terminal expansion, Fort Taber Park construction, and restoration of three city lighthouses. Tourism is also a fast-growing segment of the local economy. New Bedford's rich history, its national park status and its authentic working waterfront draws increasing numbers of tourists annually. In addition, a continued increase in the number of galleries, museums, and cultural events is earning New Bedford recognition as "a city of art," attracting professional artists, art patrons and visitors of all interests drawn to the city's growing artistic vibrancy.

Tourism:
Start by visiting the New Bedford Whaling Museum. This museum the largest museum in America devoted to the history of whaling, it houses an extensive collection of art and artifacts relating to this industry during the age of sail. Next, head over to the Judith Klein Art Gallery. The Judith Klein Art Gallery shows original printmaking by Judith Klein and work by regional artists. Visitors can find paintings, drawing, hand crafted furniture and jewelry for purchase at the gallery. Then, grab the family and spend the afternoon at the New Bedford Art Museum, exploring art through interactive exhibits and engaging displays. The Buttonwood Park Zoo is a great place to visit in the New Bedford Area. It is a relatively small-to-medium sized zoo, so do not expect giraffes and rhinos and you'll be pleased with your experience. The Zoo is very clean, well laid out, and just the right size if you have young children that cannot handle a long walk. Finally, the Arthur Moniz Art Gallery is a wonderful art gallery featuring fine paintings and prints of seaside scenes around New Bedford.

Colleges/Universities:

• UMass Dartmouth
• Bristol Community College

Interesting Facts:

• New Bedford was home to a thriving African-American community during the ante-bellum period.