New Bedford in Bristol County, Massachusetts — The American Northeast (New England)
The Andrew Robeson House
Photographed By Bryan Simmons, August 2012
1. The Andrew Robeson House Marker
Change of Address
Andrew Robeson, whaling merchant and steadfast abolitionist, built this Federal-style house in 1821 on a lot on North Second Street, diagonally behind you. The estate, with its conservatory, gardens, surrounding elm trees, and white picket fence, occupied two city blocks. The brick mansion stood then and now as a testament to the profits of the New Bedford whaling industry.
During the mid-19th century many of the whaling elite built homes in this neighborhood to be close to the wharves and business district. From here they beat daily paths to the counting houses and financial institutions, where they fostered and grew their whaling fortunes.
Andrew Roberson’s place occupied a large piece of land … with lots of shrubbery and a brook along side of the high fence on William Street with goldfish swimming when boys used to peek through the cracks in the fence to see them.
William F. Kenny, The Men of Old New Bedford, May 1915.
(Caption of the photo on the marker)
Threatened by demolition, the house was moved by the city and the waterfront historic league (WHALE)
this page online
Erected by National Park Service.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Abolition & Underground RR • Industry & Commerce. A significant historical date for this entry is May 23, 1915.
Location. 41° 38.129′ N, 70° 55.447′ W. Marker is in New Bedford, Massachusetts, in Bristol County. Marker is on Williams Street, on the right when traveling east. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: New Bedford MA 02740, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Signs of the Time (here, next to this marker); U.S. Custom House-Customary Duty (a few steps from this marker); New Bedford Historic District (within shouting distance of this marker); Civil War’s First Black Regiment (within shouting distance of this marker); Heroes of Fort Wagner (within shouting distance of this marker); Bourne Warehouse (within shouting distance of this marker); The Mariner's Home (within shouting distance of this marker); Preserving Whaling's Legacy (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in New Bedford.
Photographed By Bill Coughlin, August 24, 2017
2. The Andrew Robeson House Marker
Photographed By Bryan Simmons, August 2012
3. The Andrew Robeson House
Credits. This page was last revised on February 27, 2018. It was originally submitted on August 8, 2012, by Bryan Simmons of Attleboro, Massachusetts. This page has been viewed 768 times since then and 30 times this year. Last updated on September 27, 2014, by Byron Hooks of Sandy Springs, Georgia. Photos: 1. submitted on August 8, 2012, by Bryan Simmons of Attleboro, Massachusetts. 2. submitted on August 25, 2017, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey. 3. submitted on August 8, 2012, by Bryan Simmons of Attleboro, Massachusetts. • Kevin W. was the editor who published this page.
