| Fairhaven, Massachusetts is a fishing, resort, suburban
community on Buzzard's Bay. Incorporated in 1812, Fairhaven survived on
agriculture production until the middle of the 18th century. Around 1838
Fairhaven's economy began a shift toward maritime activities like
shipbuilding, whaling, and foreign trade centered around the town's wharfs.
Soon Fairhaven was the second busiest whaling port in the United States.
The discovery of oil in Pennsylvania along with the depression spelled
the end of the whaling industry. Fairhaven turned to tack making to survive.
Henry Huddleston Rogers, a prominent resident went to Pennsylvania to learn
about the oil industry. After making millions in the oil business Henry
returned to rebuild Fairhaven. He donated the town hall, church, school,
library, street and water system. These building make up the finest
collection of public building in Massachusetts.
In the late 1870's the railroad connected Fairhaven to New Bedford. At
the same time Fairhaven began developing as a summer resort area. Fairhaven
remains a popular resort area being located only 55 miles south of Boston,
35 miles southeast of Providence and 208 miles from New York City. |
