Guide Menu |
Nantucket History
Nantucket's original wealth and development were borne from its ideal geographical location, with whaling being the major source of both employment and income. The island was named by the native Wampanoags, and translated into English, Nantucket literally means ‘Faraway Land’, which is not only delightful, but is extremely apt. Nantucket is not only distanced geographically from the hustle and bustle of modern civilisation, but there is something intangible about the atmosphere there which helps to create the sense that one is far away from the modern world, almost transported to a quieter, more distant time. Those who settled on the island in the mid seventeenth century certainly felt this, the idea being to try to convert the natives to Christianity. Although this plan went well for a time, it was eventually abandoned by those leading the expedition as it was simply too out of the way, and so the island was sold to a group of residents from Massachusetts Bay for the princely sum of 30 pounds and two hats. It was at this time that the Quaker movement took hold of the new residents, and Nantucket became a virtual Quaker colony. Because Quakerism is strongly opposed to slavery, Nantucket was revolutionary in having no slaves, and in fact many black people, and also slaves who had escaped from the mainland, came to Nantucket for refuge, and a more peaceful, free life.
It was natural that the new residents of Nantucket looked to the sea for their livelihood, and whaling was the most profitable manner in which to earn a living in such a far flung location. The Quakers’ dedication to work and the island’s ideal location for whaling soon gave rise to a thriving whaling industry, and in fact at the height of the island’s prosperity at this time well over two hundred whaling ships sailed the seas, but called Nantucket home. During the mid nineteenth century, as Nantucket was booming from the extraordinary fortunes brought forth from the seas, the town grew and developed, with many of the wonderful buildings evident today being built from the whaling good. However, by about 1849 it became evident that this boom was not set to last indefinitely. Whilst whaling brought in money primarily as a result of whale oil being so widely used, when kerosene and petroleum were introduced, and available far more cheaply and easily, the island collapsed financially, and many people left to find fortune elsewhere. It was unfortunate, but at the same time as this economic crisis was occurring, a sand bar was building up just off the island making it increasingly difficult, and dangerous, for ships to set off or return to the island, and so Nantucket became cut off in every sense.
Although this all seems like bad news, it may well have been this depression which has helped to preserve so much of the original buildings, as the Civil War which saw so many similar settlements razed to the ground passed Nantucket over, leaving the original town still standing. From the huge rambling mansions of the well to do to the simple poor abodes of the humble dwellers that worked for the ships, these pre Civil War buildings stand today as a living piece of history. Once the Civil War passed over, Nantucket’s isolation and remoteness found favour once again, this time not from those seeking work, but from those seeking leisure. Its isolation and wilderness became increasingly popular amongst those wishing to escape away from the cities and find peace. The fresh, healthy air, the miles of beaches and the dramatic landscape became very popular, and to this day, remain so. |
