This article explores the ups and downs of 30 years of whaling from the port of Fall River, Massachusetts. Seizing on the idea that Fall River could be as successful in the whaling business as its neighbor New Bedford, influential businessmen set up whaling companies as a new model by which to share the burden and the anticipated wealth. Comparisons of whaling ports, captains, ships and voyages illustrate the reasons for Fall River’s eventual abandonment of the industry.
