Mystic in Stonington in New London County, Connecticut — The American Northeast (New England)
Whaleship Charles W. Morgan
Photographed By Michael Herrick, August 26, 2013
1. Whaleship Charles W. Morgan Marker
Built: 1841, Hillman Bros. Shipyard, New Bedford, MA
Length: 105’ 6”
Beam: 27’ 7”
Depth: 17’ 6”
As the last surviving American wooden whaleship, and the oldest American merchant ship afloat, the Charles W. Morgan is unique today. When she was launched in 1841, the Morgan was one of more than 600 American whaleships that hunted whales to supply the world’s need for oil for lubrication and illumination. Named for her original owner, wahing merchant Charles W. Morgan of new Bedford, Massachusetts, the vessel made 37 voyages during an 80-year career.
Hunting primarily in the Pacific Ocean, the Morgan often spent three to five years finding the fifty of more whales needed to fill her hold with barrels of oil. To shorten voyages, the Morgan was berthed at San Francisco from 1887 to 1904. A crew of 30 to 36 men was needed to row the six-man whaleboats used to hunt and capture whales, and then to render oil from the blubber in a brick tryworks on deck. These crews were among the most diverse at sea, mixing Americans, Europeans, West Indians, Azoreans, Cape Verdeans, Polynesians, and Asians. They received a small share of the profits for their years of tedium and toil.
After her retirement in 1921, the Morgan was preserved as an exhibit near New
this page online
Erected by Mystic Seaport Museum. (Marker Number 1941.761.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Animals • Industry & Commerce • Landmarks • Waterways & Vessels. In addition, it is included in the National Historic Landmarks series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1841.
Location. This marker has been replaced by another marker nearby. It was located near 41° 21.522′ N, 71° 57.928′ W. Marker was in Stonington, Connecticut, in New London County. It was in Mystic. Marker could be reached from the intersection of Greenmanville Avenue (Connecticut Route 27) and Bruggeman Place, on the right when traveling south. Located in Mystic Seaport. Touch for map. Marker was at or near this postal address: 75 Greenmanville Avenue, Mystic CT 06355, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this location. Hays & Ros Clark Shiplift (a few steps from this marker); Eastern-rig dragger Roann (a few steps from this marker); The Hays and Ros Clark Shiplift (within shouting distance of this marker); Sandbagger Annie
Photographed By Sandra Hughes, July 21, 2014
2. Whaleship Charles W. Morgan docked in Boston's Navy Yard Charlestown,Ma
the 38th Voyage of Charles W Morgan
May 17- August 6, 2014
On July 21, 2014 toured the Whaling Ship Charles W Morgan
Regarding Whaleship Charles W. Morgan. Charles W. Morgan is the world's oldest surviving merchant vessel. She was listed on the National Register of Historic Places 1966
Related marker. Click here for another marker that is related to this marker. This marker has been replaced with the linked marker, which has a different inscription.
Also see . . .
1. Mystic Seaport, The Museum of America and the Sea. Museum website homepage (Submitted on September 8, 2013, by Michael Herrick of Southbury, Connecticut.)
2. Charles W. Morgan (ship). Wikipedia entry (Submitted on September 8, 2013, by Michael Herrick of Southbury, Connecticut.)
3. Charles W. Morgan – Restored to Greatness. Mystic Seaport Digital Museum entry: Two minute video (Submitted on May 15, 2014.)
4. The 38th Voyage. Mystic Seaport Museum website entry:
May 17 – August 6, 2014:
Over an 80-year career,
Photographed By Sandra Hughes, September 19, 2012
3. Whaleship Charles W. Morgan being repaired Sept 2012
Photographed By Sandra Hughes, September 19, 2012
4. Whaleship Charles W. Morgan being repaired Sept 2012
Photographed By Michael Herrick, August 26, 2013
5. Whaleship Charles W. Morgan
The ship is afloat, undergoing restoration. Her masts and rigging have yet to be erected. Restoration is due to be completed by summer of 2014.
Photographed By Michael Herrick, August 26, 2013
6. Plaque On Board Ship
has been designated a
Registered National Historic Landmark
Under the Provision of the
Historic Sites Act of August 21, 1935
This Site Possesses Exceptional Value
In Commemorating or Illustrating
The History of the United States
U.S. Department of the Interior
National Park Service
1966
Photographed By Michael Herrick, August 26, 2013
7. Aboard the Whaleship Charles W. Morgan
The copper-lined brick tryworks on the maindeck. Whale blubber was rendered over a fire to extract oil.
Photographed By Michael Herrick, August 26, 2013
8. Aboard the Whaleship Charles W. Morgan
Restoration workers gather to show their crafts and sing sea-songs for visitors at the end of the work day.
Photographed By Michael Herrick, August 26, 2013
9. The H.B. duPont Preservation Shipyard, Mystic Seaport
Photographed By Michael Herrick, August 26, 2013
10. The workshop where much of the restoration woodwork takes place.
© Mystic Seaport
11. Charles W. Morgan under sail in 1920
© Mystic Seaport
12. Charles W. Morgan arrives at Mystic, 1941
Credits. This page was last revised on June 28, 2023. It was originally submitted on September 8, 2013, by Michael Herrick of Southbury, Connecticut. This page has been viewed 771 times since then and 22 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on September 8, 2013, by Michael Herrick of Southbury, Connecticut. 2, 3, 4. submitted on February 16, 2015, by Sandra Hughes Tidwell of Killen, Alabama, USA. 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12. submitted on September 8, 2013, by Michael Herrick of Southbury, Connecticut.
