Boston Waterfront/Long Wharf


The Long Wharf was the principal technological advantage that ultimately led to the Port of Boston's recognition in the shipping world as "Hub of the Universe" during the 1800's. As a symbol of financial strength and Yankee ingenuity, Long Wharf serves as a metaphor for the firm's commitment to meeting the investment needs of its clients.

The wharf was originally constructed by Bostonians from the debris left by the great fire that engulfed the waterfront in 1710. Stretching into the deep waters of the harbor, Long Wharf quickly became a catalyst for the economic development of the city and established Boston as the preferred port of call for deep draft vessels requiring extensive support facilities.

"Boston was the largest town in the English colonies until 1755, when passed by Philadelphia, and the principal mart of trade in North America for a much longer period. Boston Pier or Long Wharf, built in 1710, extended King (now State) Street some two thousand feet into deep water. Wealthy merchants came from overseas to share the results of Puritan thrift and energy." Beginning with the Northwest fur trade in the late 1700's and continuing through the whaling period, the China East-India trade, and the age of clipper ships in the mid 1800's, Boston's Long Wharf became central to the world's shipping trade.

By the 1830's, the Port of Boston was commonly referred to as the "Hub of the Universe". It had established itself as a world leader in cargo tonnage landings and had shipping interests encircling the globe. "Boston's principal advantage for the security of vessels, wrote a New Yorker in 1844, and its one that distinguishes this port from other principal ports of our country, is her numerous docks, which are constructed with solid strength, and run far up into the city."

The city of New Haven wants us to take a new look skyward and seaward, where our homeland hits the harbor along Long Wharf Drive just over the highway. Some may know the area in its former infamy as a gay pick-up spot. Others may revere it as the site of the city's Viet Nam memorial. Still others recall it as a quick place to buy flowers or hot dogs for an impending date. Too many folk simply drive by.

Well, that last bunch is all wet. In the past few years the Long Wharf waterfront has hosted modern art installations, live music, games, rides, contests, promotional freebies from local companies, exhibits advertising the glories of area museums and cultural centers, and, because they've geared it around Independence Day, a clear view of professionally orchestrated fireworks.

The Newport area offers activities for the entire family. Guests can enjoy boating, fishing, croquet on the lawn, a cookout at the resort's barbecue pavilion, or walk across the street to the Newport Fisherman's Wharf. The historic mansions of the Newport Gilded Age are open for tours and offer a unique glimpse into the family homes of the Astors, Vanderbilts and other prominent families of the era. For our guests we provide discounted tickets to all the Newport Mansions that you may be interested in visiting.

Newport also has one of the country's largest collections of colonial-era houses, so walking Newport's streets can be an architectural tour. With the Long Wharf Resort situated directly in town, it is a quick walk to these houses and also to shopping areas situated on the wharfs.

Most of all, Newport is known for its yachts. Through decades of hosting competition for the America's Cup, Newport established itself as the preeminent sailing center in the world. The harbor today is a visual treat for all who enjoy the beauty of yachts under sail, with former defending America's Cup yachts sailing through the harbor in easy view of all Newport's visitors.