New Bedford Guide Your Guide to New Bedford and South Coast, MA
After more than ten glorious days in her home port of New Bedford, Massachusetts, the whaling ship Charles W. Morgan made her departure from this historic port. Built in the city in 1841, she is the world’s oldest surviving merchant vessel and the only surviving wooden whaling ship from the 19th century American fleet. This was her first visit in 73 years. During her 80 years of service, she made 37 voyages ranging from nine months to five years. She appeared in three movies. Nearly destroyed by fire in 1924, she was ultimately rescued by Colonel Green (son of Hetty Green known as the Witch of Wall Street) and brought to Round Hill, Dartmouth, Massachusetts. After Green’s death, her future was uncertain. After surviving the 1938 hurricane, she was ultimately saved by the Marine Historical Association (later renamed Mystic Seaport, Connecticut). In 2010, Mystic Seaport undertook a multi-million project to restore her to seaworthiness. On June 28, 2014, she made her 38th voyage from Mystic to New Bedford. What a life she’s had!
As I waited with anticipation for the Charles W. Morgan to depart New Bedford harbor, I couldn’t help but wonder how she feels today. Is she remembering the many times in years long gone when she traveled this very course, knowing that she would not return for one, two, three or more years? Would she tell us of all the adventures as well as fears she had on these long, arduous voyages? Was she ever afraid that she would not return? Or was she more hopeful of bringing back a hold full of whale blubber and oil. And when she was successful in bringing back this liquid treasure, would she take pride in knowing that her contributions helped New Bedford earn the title of The City That Lit The World? Would she have dared to imagine that she would ultimately, one day, carry the distinction of being the last whaling ship of her era in the world?
If she could speak, there are so many questions I would ask her. Did she have any concerns about her voyage from Mystic to New Bedford after all these years? Did she wonder if, after 73 years away from her port of berth, that anyone would care – that anyone would show up? 40,000 visitors later — there should be no doubt in her mind. We love her! We miss her! We wish she were back here permanently in her homeport. However – we are thankful to Mystic Seaport for bringing her back to life and back to her home, even for this short stay.
Godspeed Charles W. Morgan – until we meet again.
