Whaling in New England

Many different forms of whaling have been used in Cape Cod. Drift, shore, herding, deep sea and artic whaling have all been practiced at one time or another. Each specific form of whaling has a small history connected to it. In the early 1800s whaling was among the most profitable enterprises in United States, second only to textiles. It remained strong for six decades. The reason why whale products are so valuable as well as the rationale as to why the whaling center moved from first from Nantucket, to Wellfleet, then to New Bedford and eventually to Provincetown will be told. Retelling the storied lives of several successful Cape Cod whaling captains make the session come alive.