Fairhaven, Massachusetts

The town of Fairhaven, located approximately 50 miles south of Boston, was settled in 1653 and incorporated in 1812. Fairhaven is situated at the mouth of the Acushnet River on Buzzards Bay. Fairhaven and nearby New Bedford share a common harbor, and the economy and history of Fairhaven have developed in close conjunction with those of its neighbor across the bay. Fairhaven today is mainly residential, with a population of approximately 16,000. The town of Fairhaven's seaside setting and colorful maritime history help make tourism an important component of the local economy. Visitors may enjoy a variety of attractions, including public parks, marinas and beaches, along with historic 19th-century buildings, and Fort Phoenix, a colonial-era fort.

From the beginning, Fairhaven's history and identity have had close ties to the sea. The sloop Success, manned by a crew of Fairhaven militia, fought the first battle of the American Revolution, capturing two British ships in 1775. Fort Phoenix provided crucial defense of New Bedford Harbor during this war and the War of 1812. As New Bedford grew in prominence as a whaling port, so did Fairhaven. By 1938, it was the second-largest whaling port in the United States. Fairhaven's role in the whaling industry turned towards one of support rather than competition, however. Local manufacturers produced many items needed for the maritime trades, including ships, rope, barrels and sails. In addition, captains and ship-owners made wealthy by the whaling trade settled in Fairhaven, building handsome homes for their families. In the late 19th-century, Standard Oil magnate Henry Huddleston Rogers made key contributions to the town, including several magnificent Italianate civic buildings, and a modern water and sewer system.

Industry in Fairhaven today is limited, but existing corporations include Nye Lubricants and The Acushnet Company. Nye Lubricants, which today produces oil for NASA's space shuttles, has its roots in the whaling industry. Its forerunner, the Nye Oil Company, was founded in 1865 by William F. Nye to refine whale oil. Acushnet manufactures golf equipment, including popular Titleist and Footjoy brands.

Renovation of historic properties, as well as construction of new buildings, may have created a risk of asbestos exposure for construction workers and others. Workers in Fairhaven who have used asbestos-containing construction materials may be at risk for mesothelioma, a cancer affecting the lungs.

Jobsites in Fairhaven where Asbestos Exposure Occurred

A number of jobsites in Fairhaven, MA have been identified as harboring asbestos containing materials. These sites, at one point in their history, were known to have exposed a variety of tradesmen to asbestos. We will be documenting in more detail how asbestos exposure occurred at these sites in the future on this web site.

Mesothelioma Cancer Centers Near Fairhaven, MA

For your convenience we have compiled a list of mesothelioma cancer centers that are located within a 100 mile radius of Fairhaven, MA. Please click on a cancer center link to obtain more information about the clinical programs offered, professional designations, areas of expertise and how to contact the center.

Mesothelioma Doctors Near Fairhaven, MA

For your convenience we have compiled a list of mesothelioma doctors who are located within a 100 mile radius of Fairhaven, MA. Please click on a doctor link to obtain more information about his/her background, areas of expertise, professional affiliations and office locations.