New London in Southeastern Region, Connecticut — The American Northeast (New England)
Whaling in New London
Photographed by Bill Coughlin, October 9, 2011
1. Whaling in New London Marker
Human relationship with sea mammals has evolved through the past 300 years.
Oil from whales and seals was exploited, yet essential to developing our industrial revolution in the 19th century. The wealth accumulated from whaling was invested in railroads, industrial development, the hospital and the creation of cultural institutions still in use today by the New London community.
Growth of environmental awareness in the 20th century has led to 21st century recognition of the need to save the whales and preserve a sustainable ocean environment for the health of our planet.
This life size sculpture represents a sperm whale sounding - - diving back into the ocean after coming to the surface to breath. Sperm whales can reach 59 ft in length, weigh up to 45 tons, dive to 10,000 ft below the oceans surface and swim at a speed of 23 miles per hour.
More information on New Londons maritime history can be found on the bronze panels located around the plaza.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Animals • Industry & Commerce.
Location. 41° 21.269′ N, 72° 5.605′ W. Marker is in New London in Southeastern Region, Connecticut. It is at the intersection of Water Street and State Street, on the left
this page online
Regionally, this marker is on the Connecticut Shoreline and in the Thames River Valley. 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 New London County and also one of the original Thirteen Colonies.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Union Station (within shouting distance of this marker); 35 Water Street (within shouting distance of this marker); Revolutionary New London (within shouting distance of this marker); Nathan Hale (within shouting distance of this marker); Revolutionary War Privateering (within shouting distance of this marker); Nathan Hale Schoolhouse (within shouting distance of this marker); New London Soldiers & Sailors Monument (within shouting distance of this marker); 2 State Street (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in New London.
More about this marker. The marker is in front of a life size sculpture of a whale fluke.
Photographed by Bill Coughlin, October 9, 2011
2. Whaling in New London Marker
Photographed by Bill Coughlin, October 9, 2011
3. Marker in New London
Marker is located across the street from the New London Union station, seen behind the marker.
Photographed by Bill Coughlin, in New Lon
4. New London Plaza
Credits. This page was last revised on May 19, 2026. It was originally submitted on October 11, 2011, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey. This page has been viewed 757 times since then and 7 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on October 11, 2011, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey.
