New Bedford in Bristol County, Massachusetts — The American Northeast (New England)
New Bedford Lights the World
Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, May 26, 2022
1. New Bedford Lights the World Marker
Captions: (bottom right) Advertisement for spermaceti candles, New Bedford city directory 1881-1882; The light of a spermaceti candle was to bright that it was used to calibrate the Standard International Candle, a unit of light intensity that was applied when incandescent lightbulbs were introduced in the 19th century.
Spermaceti is found in the head of a sperm whale and is an oily, whitish, waxy substance. Spermaceti candle making was a multiseason task that involved repeated pressing, congealing, and heating. Spermaceti candles for New Bedford provided a bright, white light; clean burning; hard; and burned longer compared to tallow candles. Before petroleum was discovered, a spermaceti candle was the best on the market and represented an evolving and changing culture. These candles were sold all over the globe making New Bedford the city that lit the world.
Erected by National Park Service.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Natural Resources.
Location. 41° 38.156′ N, 70° 55.368′ W. Marker is in New Bedford, Massachusetts, in Bristol County. It is at the intersection of Rodman Street and North Water Street on Rodman Street
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Regionally, this marker is in the South Coast. It is also in the American Northeast and in New England. 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 one of the original Thirteen Colonies.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Rodman Candleworks (a few steps from this marker); Double Bank (within shouting distance of this marker); On This Site (within shouting distance of this marker); Centre Street (within shouting distance of this marker); Preserving Whaling's Legacy (within shouting distance of this marker); "Mr. Steadfast's Flag Plaza" (within shouting distance of this marker); "Mr. Steadfast" (within shouting distance of this marker); Utility Over Elegance (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line). Touch for a list and map of all markers in New Bedford.
Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, May 26, 2022
2. New Bedford Lights the World Marker
Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, May 26, 2022
3. Rodman Candleworks building
Credits. This page was last revised on November 30, 2024. It was originally submitted on November 30, 2024, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. This page has been viewed 262 times since then and 30 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on November 30, 2024, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California.
