New Bedford in Bristol County, Massachusetts — The American Northeast (New England)

Viking

Photographed by Bryan Simmons, August 2012

1. Viking Marker

An identical marker is located on the Japanese Island of Mikura-jima

Inscription. On this toro rests a capstan from the American clipper ship Viking which was wrecked on this island on June 4,1863. Being bound for San Francisco, U.S.A. from Hong Kong, China. Through the intervention of the local authorities and hospitality of the islanders, the lives of the 23 crew and 460 Chinese passengers were saved.

In recognition of the many acts of friendship, this plaque was sponsored by the Old Dartmouth Historical Society and Whaling Museum in New Bedford Massachusetts.

Built 1853 Viking Lost 1863
Builder: Trufant& Drummond, Bath , Maine
Owner: George Hussey, New Bedford, Mass
Captain: Benjamin C. Townsend
Length: 230' Width: 41.1' Depth: 22.1' Tonnage: 134
Port of Orgin: New York City, N.Y. U.S.A.

Erected 1966 by The People of Mikura.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Waterways & Vessels. A significant historical month for this entry is June 1609.

Location. 41° 38.102′ N, 70° 55.403′ W. Marker is in New Bedford, Massachusetts, in Bristol County. It is on 1st Street just north of Union Street, on the right when traveling north. Marker is directly across the street from the

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Seamen's Bethel. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: New Bedford MA 02740, United States of America. Touch for directions.

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: The Seamen's Bethel (a few steps from this marker); A Tribute of Respect to Enterprising Whalemen (a few steps from this marker); a different marker also named Seamen’s Bethel (a few steps from this marker); The Mariner's Home (within shouting distance of this marker); Captain Paul Cuffe (within shouting distance of this marker); Paul Cuffee (within shouting distance of this marker); Preserving Whaling's Legacy (within shouting distance of this marker); Utility Over Elegance (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in

Photographed by Bryan Simmons, August 2012

2. Viking Marker

New Bedford.

Photographed by Dale K. Benington, July 30, 2015

3. Viking Marker

A distant view of the marker, affixed to the outside wall of the New Bedford Whaling Museum, just to the right of a set of doors on the west side of the building.

Photographed by Dale K. Benington, July 30, 2015

4. Viking Marker

View of the marker, affixed to the outside wall of the New Bedford Whaling Museum, looking south along Johnny Cake Hill.

Photographed by Dale K. Benington, July 30, 2015

5. Viking Marker

View of the marker, affixed to the outside wall of the New Bedford Whaling Museum, looking north along Johnny Cake Hill.

Photographed by Adam Margolis, September 15, 2025

6. Viking Marker

Photographed by Adam Margolis, September 15, 2025

7. Viking Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on December 1, 2025. It was originally submitted on August 8, 2012, by Bryan Simmons of Attleboro, Massachusetts. This page has been viewed 865 times since then and 25 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on August 8, 2012, by Bryan Simmons of Attleboro, Massachusetts. 3, 4, 5. submitted on August 3, 2015, by Dale K. Benington of Toledo, Ohio. 6. submitted on November 27, 2025, by Adam Margolis of Mission Viejo, California. 7. submitted on November 28, 2025, by Adam Margolis of Mission Viejo, California. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.