Back in New Bedford, money from the whaling industry resulted in ornate mansions and gardens. Writer Herman Melville wrote: "Nowhere in America will you find more patrician-like houses, parks and gardens more opulent, than in New Bedford.... all these brave houses and flowery gardens came from the Atlantic, Pacific, and Indian oceans. One and all, they were harpooned and dragged up hither from the bottom of the sea....” The success of the whaling business is reflected in the homes along County Street. The business is also reflected in the homes of immigrants and working people who not only populated the ships, but worked ashore in supporting industries. 
This Federal-style building located at 427 County Street, was built in 1821. The original home, owned by wealthy merchant James Arnold, is still recognizable despite modernizations made by other owners. More information. 
Belgium blocks are really associated with Europe at large. The stone bricks, usually granite, were used to stabilize lightweight ships. The blocks would sit in the ship's belly, and upon arrival to the Americas were replaced with heavy cargo. The Belgium blocks were left behind, and cities used them to line the streets. The block paving provided horses' hooves with a better grip, and made for a smoother carriage rides than the rounded cobblestones. More information. 
This 1834 Greek Revival-style home was built on County Street, a prestigious neighborhood in its time. However, because of its Quaker owner, its appearance is more restrained than other homes built in the area around the same time. The public gardens on the one-acre property at 396 County Street are also of note. More information. |
Last updated: August 24, 2018