Fall River in Bristol County, Massachusetts — The American Northeast (New England)
Fall River Whaling
From 1832-1860, Fall River, better known for cotton brokers than skippers, for looms than whale ships, sent 22 whalers down to the sea.
In November 1842, the Holder Borden, named for a descendent of Richard Borden and a leading manufacturer, departed Fall River for, the South Seas and Pacific Ocean.
After successful hunts, the Holder Borden experienced a disastrous ending. The story of the crew and their survival is an extraordinary event not only in whaling, but also in nautical history.
Source: Fall River Herald News, November 30, 2013
Erected by Creative Arts Network; Mass Cultural Council.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Animals • Industry & Commerce • Waterways & Vessels. A significant historical month for this entry is November 1840.
Location. 41° 42.107′ N, 71° 9.733′ W. Marker is in Fall River, Massachusetts, in Bristol County. It is at the intersection of Western Fall River Expressway and Water Street Connector, on the right when traveling west on Western Fall River Expressway. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 21 Broadway, Fall River MA 02721,
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Regionally, this marker is in the South Coast. It is also in the American Northeast, in New England, and on the Eastern Seaboard. 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: American Print (here, next to this marker); Fall River Line: Floating Palaces (a few steps from this marker); Mechanics Mill (a few steps from this marker); Fall River and Ponta Delgada, Sister Cities (within shouting distance of this marker); "Hortensia" (within shouting distance of this marker); Portuguese Presidential Visit (about 500 feet away, measured in a direct line); Gates of the City (about 500 feet away); White Star Line (about 600 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Fall River.
Credits. This page was last revised on October 4, 2026. It was originally submitted on October 4, 2026, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 2 times since then. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on October 4, 2026, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.
