The History of Whaling in Cape Cod

Emily Rinaldi Field Biology:

Marine MammalsSpring 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.

• 1702– 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.

• 1774– Ships from Nantucket first crossed the equator in

pursuit of whales.• 1791– The first American whaler rounded Cape Horn into the

untried whaling "grounds" of the Pacific.

Whaling Ports of the 1800’s

Total of21 Ports

Whaling Peaked between 1846- 1852

A Famous Captain

• Captain Edward Penniman• Started Whaling in 1868. • Lived in Eastham, Mass. • 1881- This would be his 5th 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?