New London in Southeastern Region, Connecticut — The American Northeast (New England)
The 19th Century Port
Changing Maritime Enterprises
Photographed by Bill Coughlin, October 9, 2011
1. The 19th Century Port Marker
From this bustling port numerous ships set off around the world in search of whales. Marine mammals provided highly sought after oil which fueled the industrial revolution. New London whalemen specialized in hunting elephant seals which also provided plentiful oil. The petroleum industry which started in Pennsylvania in 1859, eventually eliminated the market for oil from sea mammals, ending this type of maritime endeavor.
Throughout the 19th Century luxurious side-wheel steamers carried passengers and cargo the length of Long Island Sound. With the coming of the railroad in mid-century, New London became a regional transportation hub and tourist destination.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Waterways & Vessels. A significant historical year for this entry is 1859.
Location. 41° 21.26′ N, 72° 5.657′ W. Marker is in New London in Southeastern Region, Connecticut. It is at the intersection of State Street and Bank Street, on the right when traveling west on State Street. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: New London CT 06320, United States of America. Touch for directions.
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: The Submarine Industry (here, next to this marker); The Atlantic Trade (here, next to this marker); The Amistad Incident
this page online
Photographed by Bill Coughlin, October 9, 2011
2. The 19th Century Port Marker
Photographed by Bill Coughlin, October 9, 2011
3. Marker in New London
Photographed by Bill Coughlin, October 9, 2011
4. The 19th Century Port Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on May 19, 2026. It was originally submitted on October 14, 2011, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey. This page has been viewed 526 times since then and 13 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on October 14, 2011, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey.
