Waterfront

The Waterfront

This is a bit of what remains of the working waterfront. Gloucester has been a port since Samuel De Champlain stopped here in 1604, mapped the harbor and named her Le Beauport, which she certainly remains. Winslow Homer, Fitz H. Lane, John Sloan, Edward Hopper, and scores of other American artists have painted the harbor and the amazing light quality that is found here. These images show the old commercial areas and fishing industry. They are a document of what remains of the way of life that created the very spirit and nature of this place. Gloucester evolved organically around the needs and demands of the fishing industry. It was never a planned community. Her streets are like gentle old cow paths, leading down to the waterfront.