An online project under the direction of the CAPE ANN MUSEUM
Trade Routes and Statistics
In 1817, the United States Congress enacted legislation requiring that all goods transported between American seaports be carried in American owned vessels. The act proved a windfall for shipping concerns in New England, essentially barring foreign interests from participating in what came to be known as the coasting trade. On any given day, throughout Fitz Henry Lane’s lifetime, a myriad of vessels of all shapes and sizes and rigs could be found plying coastal waters carrying every conceivable sort of cargo. From manufactured goods including textiles and furniture, to fresh produce, fish, ice, granite and cotton, ships’ manifests of the antebellum period reveal an endless array of goods on the move.
Newspaper
Gloucester Telegraph Ship News
American Antiquarian Society
List of ships arriving and departing the ports of Gloucester and Boston, with details of cargo.
Also filed under: "Cadet" (Brig) » // Newspaper / Journal Articles »
Newsprint
Cape Ann Advertiser
Cape Ann Museum Library & Archive
Notice in the Cape Ann Advertiser announcing arrival of ships into the port of Gloucester, with details of their cargo.
Also filed under: Gloucester Harbor, Outer » // Newspaper / Journal Articles »
Foreign Places Whence Vessels Arrived in Principal Customs Districts of Massachusetts, Year Ending June 30, 1857
Vessels are entered only once for a voyage in this table, generally from the last port of call, or from the port where the principal cargo was taken.