Surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean and picturesque
harbors both large and small, Marblehead has relied
on the changing tides for its livelihood since the town's
founding in 1629. It served first as the departure point for
schooners that sailed on local and far-flung fishing voyages,
then as a flourishing seaport in the 18th century. Since the
Civil War it has been a safe haven for yachting enthusiasts
and tourists who are lured by its many charms.
The harbor had been a working port for over two
centuries when a sudden storm off Newfoundland's Grand
Banks in 1846 destroyed half of the town's fishing fleet.
Many of Marblehead's inhabitants became involved in
the burgeoning shoe industry to carry them over while the
fisheries struggled to recover, but never did. By the turn
of the 20th century, the town had become an important
yachting center. In this much anticipated sequel, these and
other waterfront-related aspects of Marblehead's history
are chronicled in six intriguing chapters with over 200
photographs and postcards.