Seaport in Manhattan in New York County, New York — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)

The Galley and Shipboard Food

South Street Seaport Museum

— Where New York Begins. —

The Galley and Shipboard Food Marker image. Click for full size.

By Devry Becker Jones (CC0), July 13, 2023

1. The Galley and Shipboard Food Marker

Inscription. For voyages lasting several months without touching land, it was important that the ship be properly provisioned. Fresh meat, fruits, and vegetables were a rare treat, as these ships were without any means of refrigeration. Vegetables were consumed within a few weeks of departing land. Ships often carried livestock, such as chickens, pigs, sheep, and goats, under the forecastle deck, and animals were slaughtered on certain occasions. Otherwise, it was up to the cook to create edible meals out of barreled and salted beef and pork, beans, various pickles and jams, and (often weevil-infested) hardtack biscuits. The food in the aftercastle (for officers) was of only marginally superior quality but did offer greater variety than what was provided to the rest of the crew.

Erected by South Street Seaport Museum.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Animals • Anthropology & Archaeology • Waterways & Vessels.

Location. 40° 42.325′ N, 74° 0.185′ W. Marker is in Manhattan, New York, in New York County. It is in Seaport. It can be reached from Pier 16 just south of East River Greenway, on the right when traveling south. The marker is on board the Wavertree exhibit.

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Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 167 John Street, New York NY 10038, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in New York City.

It is also in the American Northeast

and in the Mid-Atlantic.

Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region,

North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Netherland

and also one of the original Thirteen Colonies.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: A different marker also named The Galley and Shipboard Food (here, next to this marker); Forecastle (Crew's Quarters) (here, next to this marker); The 1885 Cargo Ship Wavertree (here, next to this marker); Wavertree (a few steps from this marker); Cargo Hatches (a few steps from this marker); a different marker also named Wavertree (a few steps from this marker); Forecastle Head (a few steps from this marker); Capstan (a few steps from this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Manhattan.

Related marker. Click here for another marker that is related to this marker. An identical marker is elsewhere onboard the ship.

By Devry Becker Jones (CC0), July 13, 2023

2. The Galley and Shipboard Food Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on July 17, 2023. It was originally submitted on July 17, 2023, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 124 times since then and 7 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on July 17, 2023, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.