The History of Whaling in Cape Cod Emily Rinaldi Field Biology: Marine Mammals Spring 2013
Early History of New England 1620 – Engaged in Whale fisheries – Whaled off the coast of Greenland even during the time of the pilgrims – The main whale hunted was the Right Whale 1662 – The town of Eastham voted a portion of the proceeds dead whales that drifted ashore from natural causes, be appropriated for the support of the ministry.
Early History (continued) The pursuit of whales in small boats from shore continued for over one hundred years until the numbers depleted. Many of the Cape Cod Indians were regularly employed – Colonists began to fit out small vessels for the pursuit of whales off shore. – South of Nantucket, that Sperm Whales were encountered in the warmer waters of the Gulf Stream.
Early History (continued) 1750 – The pursuit of "right whales" near shore was no longer profitable. – Sperm Whale hunts became popular – Ships from Nantucket first crossed the equator in pursuit of whales – The first American whaler rounded Cape Horn into the untried whaling "grounds" of the Pacific.
Whaling Ports of the 1800’s Total of 21 Ports Whaling Peaked between
A Famous Captain Captain Edward Penniman Started Whaling in Lived in Eastham, Mass This would be his 5 th voyage that could take up to 4 years time.
The Crew The crewmen exchanged material goods such as tools, food, souvenirs as well as ideas and experiences with indigenous peoples. These indigenous men joined as crewmembers. – They would often settle in the United States. – Eventually, their family members immigrated to join them or they married into local families – Creating a diverse cultural heritage in coastal port towns. Seamen frequently sang shanties – To alleviate the boredom of the long days – To help keep the rhythm of a repetitive task
Whaling Today in Cape Cod The Last Whaling Trip: 1927 Whaling used for research Allowed for aboriginal rituals
References Boston Museum of Natural History Massachusetts National Park Service PBS: Into the Deep
Questions?