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New Bedford is a city located in Bristol County in southeastern Massachusetts. With a population of over 95,000 as of the 2020 census, it is the 6th largest city in Massachusetts. New Bedford was once one of the most important whaling ports in the world and a center of the textile industry.

Population and Geography

According to the Wikipedia page for New Bedford, the city has a total area of 24.1 square miles, of which 20.0 square miles is land and 4.1 square miles is water. As of 2020, the population was 95,072 people.

History

New Bedford was originally inhabited by the Wampanoag tribe. Europeans began settling the area in the early 17th century. The town of New Bedford was officially incorporated in 1787. It quickly developed into a major whaling port and by the mid 19th century was one of the most important whaling cities in the world. Herman Melville's famous novel Moby Dick features New Bedford as the departure point for the whaling voyage told in the novel.

In the early 20th century, New Bedford transitioned from whaling to being a major center of textile production. Immigration from Portugal beginning in 1870 contributed greatly to the culture and economy of the city.

To learn more about the history of New Bedford, visit the New Bedford Public Library's Local History page.

Economy

Today, while no longer a whaling port, New Bedford continues to have a strong maritime economy. Commercial fishing, as well as shipping and other industries related to its harbor, are major parts of the economy. The city is also home to a growing offshore wind energy industry.

Other important industries include healthcare, education, manufacturing, and tourism. The largest employers in New Bedford are:

• Southcoast Health System - 7,000 employees
• RIH Acquisitions NJ LLC - 2,618 employees
• City of New Bedford - 1,468 employees
• New Bedford Public Schools - 1,388 employees
• Southcoast Hospitals Group - 1,051 employees

To learn more about economic development in New Bedford, visit the New Bedford Assessing Department's Economic Development page.

Landmarks and Attractions

Some of the most popular landmarks and attractions in New Bedford include:

New Bedford Whaling Museum

The New Bedford Whaling Museum is one of New Bedford's most visited attractions. Founded in 1903, it features exhibits on New Bedford's history as a whaling port and on the history of the whaling industry worldwide.

Address: 18 Johnny Cake Hill, New Bedford, MA 02740

Phone: (508) 997-0046

New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park

This National Park Service site includes a 13-block National Historic Landmark District showcasing New Bedford's history as a whaling port. Highlights include the 1848 Seamen's Bethel, the 1796 Rotch-Jones-Duff House and Garden Museum, and the 1834 Bourne Counting House.

Address: 33 William St, New Bedford, MA 02740

Phone: (508) 996-4095

Fort Taber Park

This 48-acre seaside park located in the southern area of New Bedford offers beautiful views of Buzzards Bay. Fort Taber was an important coastal defense fortification for over 100 years. Today the park offers recreational opportunities including walking trails, picnic areas, and fishing access.

Address: 1000C Rodney French Blvd, New Bedford, MA 02744

GPS Coordinates: 41.63560397918819, -70.92733568469571

Buttonwood Park Zoo

This small 7-acre zoo was opened in 1894, making it one of the oldest zoos in the United States. It is home to over 200 animals including seals, red pandas, emus, lemurs, miniature horses, and more. The zoo offers educational programs, events, and hands-on animal encounters.

Address: 425 Hawthorn St, New Bedford, MA 02740

Phone: (508) 991-6178

GPS Coordinates: 41.64793657918448, -70.92808938469542

Public Transportation

The Southeastern Regional Transit Authority (SRTA) provides bus service throughout New Bedford and surrounding communities. Routes connect popular destinations like downtown New Bedford, the mall, beaches, and more. SRTA also operates the New Bedford Seaport Bus, a free shuttle servicing the waterfront area.

Address: 700 Pleasant St, New Bedford, MA 02740

Phone: (508) 999-5211

Sports

New Bedford is home to the New Bedford Bay Sox baseball team, an affiliate of the Boston Red Sox playing at Paul Walsh Field. To learn more, visit the Bay Sox website.

The semi-professional New Bedford Whalers football team of the New England Football League also plays home games at Walsh Field. Learn more on their Facebook page.

Education

New Bedford Public Schools oversees 25 public schools serving over 12,000 students in grades Pre-K through 12. The district website with school information can be found here.

There are also several charter and private schools located in New Bedford such as Trinity Day Academy, Alma del Mar Charter School, and Bishop Stang High School.

At the post-secondary level, New Bedford is home to several campuses of Bristol Community College which offers two-year associate's degrees.

County and Local Government

New Bedford is located in Bristol County. Visit the Bristol County website to learn more about county government services and contact information.

Address: 888 Purchase St, New Bedford, MA 02740

Phone: (508) 997-2800

The city of New Bedford is governed by a Mayor-Council form of government. Visit the City of New Bedford website to learn more about city departments and services.

Address: 133 William St, New Bedford, MA 02740

Phone: (508) 979-1400

Additional Local Resources

New Bedford Chamber of Commerce - Website | Facebook Page

New Bedford Guide - Local News and Information

YMCA of New Bedford - Website

United Way of Greater New Bedford - Website | Facebook Page

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