Martha’s Vineyard: The Bark “Mattapoisett” at Osborn’s Wharf in 1886

Edgartown was a byway of the whaling industry. Because of the shallow access to its harbor, the port could never have supported a major shipping base. Several whaling schooners and barks, including the Mattapoisett shown here did, however, use Edgartown as a terminal. This view shows a typical scene on the wharf with the vessel fitting out for her next voyage. The tip of Chappaquiddick Island appears at the far right. The main building in the picture still exists today and after being moved to the end of the wharf has since become part of the Edgartown Yacht Club.

This view shows a typical scene on the wharf with the vessel fitting out for her next voyage. The main building in the picture still exists today and after being moved to the end of the wharf has since become part of the Edgartown Yacht Club.

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