History of New Bedford offers a comprehensive and in-depth exploration of the city's multifaceted history, tracing its journey from a small colonial settlement to a thriving, diverse urban center. Through twenty meticulously researched chapters, this book delves into New Bedford's geography, founding, and early settlement, while examining the pivotal moments and figures that have shaped its development. Key themes include the city's central role in the global whaling industry, its evolving economy through industrialization, and the contributions of diverse immigrant communities that have enriched its cultural and social fabric.

The book highlights the city's significant impact on national and global movements, including abolitionism, labor rights, and environmental sustainability, providing a lens through which to understand broader American and international historical trends. Notable figures such as Frederick Douglass, William C. Rotch, and labor leaders like Bert O'Neill are explored in detail, as are the dynamic communities—Portuguese, Irish, Cape Verdean, African American, and Latino—that have made New Bedford a vibrant mosaic of cultures.

With a focus on social justice, technological innovation, and economic transformation, History of New Bedford offers both historical depth and a forward-looking perspective on the city's ongoing role in renewable energy and global environmental challenges. This book serves as an essential resource for those interested in the intersections of industry, immigration, politics, and culture, and presents New Bedford as a case study in the evolution of American cities and their connections to global histories.