Gloucester guide

Gloucester is a city on Cape Ann in Essex County, Massachusetts, in the United States. It is part of Boston's North Shore. As of the 2000 census, the city population was 30,273. An important center of the fishing industry and a popular summer resort, Gloucester consists of an urban core on the north side of the harbor and the outlying neighborhoods of Annisquam, Bay View, Lanesville, Folly Cove, Magnolia, Riverdale, East Gloucester and West Gloucester. It is bounded by Rockport to the east, Ipswich Bay to the north, Essex and Manchester to the west and Massachusetts Bay to the south. The town was an important shipbuilding center, and the first schooner was reputedly built there in 1713. The community developed into an important fishing port, largely due to its proximity to Georges Bank and other fishing banks off the east coast of Nova Scotia and Newfoundland. Gloucester's most famous (and nationally recognized) seafood business was founded in 1849 -- John Pew & Sons. It became Gorton-Pew Fisheries in 1906, and in 1957 changed its name to Gorton's of Gloucester. The iconic image of the "Gorton's Fisherman", and the products he represents, are known throughout the country and beyond. Besides catching and processing seafood, Gloucester is also a center for fish research. In the late 19th century, a large number of Portuguese immigrants, mainly from the Azores, came to Gloucester to work in the fishing industry. Many of their descendents still are fisherman today, although many live in Gloucester and have entered other areas of work. Gloucester's scenic beauty, active fishing industry, and renowned arts community have attracted and inspired painters since the early 19th century, as they do today.

The first Gloucester painter of note was native-born Fitz Henry Lane, whose home still exists on the waterfront. The premier collection of his works is in the Cape Ann Historical Museum, which holds 40 of his paintings and 100 of his drawings. Gloucester's largest annual event is St. Peter's Fiesta, sponsored by the local Italian-American community. It is held the weekend closest to the saint's feast day. Highlights include the blessing of the fleet, and the greasy pole contest. The city has much significant architecture, from pre-revolutionary houses to the hilltop 1870 City Hall, which dominates the town and harbor. It also has exotic waterfront homes now converted to museums, including Beauport, built 1907-1934 by designer Henry Davis Sleeper in collaboration with local architect Halfdan Hanson, said to raise eclecticism to the level of genius.


Latest Tweets featuring Gloucester

  • bbcweather

    Selection of 3pm #UKtemps : Solent 26C, Heathrow 25C, Shoreham, Gloucester, Bradford & Nottingham all 24C, Manchester 23C, Inverness 22C. MT

    May 22nd, 16:42

  • TescoCareers

    Gloucester Brockworth - Optometrist - Candidate Profile You must be a qualified Optometrist with a... http://t.co/gUBN12SZ #tesco #job #jobs

    Today, 13:12

  • ismail1098

    @saampooley gloucester... Tredworth & barton

    Today, 13:11

  • lovecommercials

    Jubilee celebrations at Gloucester. http://t.co/63XYjICg

    Today, 13:11

  • rugby_glos

    Andy Long forced to retire from rugby http://t.co/psxxmJNU #rugby #news

    Today, 13:11

  • jobsgloucester

    CNC Operator Temporary Fanuc Controls Gloucestershire: Salary £16,185 to £17,550 Gloucestershire http://t.co/2j0Fi0ce

    Today, 13:10

  • Folding4U

    Folding in lessons: Students study origami to learn school subjects - Gloucester Daily Times | @scoopit http://t.co/u4iVHNKn

    Today, 13:10

  • Lambpie1973

    RT @_ShedDweller: Looking for a Sim Free #GalaxyS3 in #Gloucester Anyone know of any in stock anywhere? #fb

    Today, 13:07

  • Talk1200

    RT @scottbrownma:MT @GDTnews #GloucesterMA: Senator's new campaign ad focuses on problems in commercial #fishing, #NOAA http://t.co/Ak9tn7YE

    Today, 13:07

  • JamesMapesi

    Cheap price 1907 Ad Gloucester Swinging Bed Hammock Couch Swing Set - Original... http://t.co/WodDZMBm

    Today, 13:06

  • TalkRugbyUnion

    Northampton Saints hooker Andy Long who was set to join Gloucester next season has retired from rugby with immediate effect. #rugby

    Today, 13:06

  • natalieb1511

    @betterz sorry bethy t been in Gloucester halls revising with some peeps off my course ill will come see you later :)

    Today, 13:06

  • twplanningapps

    22 Gloucester Road, Hampton, TW12 2UH http://t.co/vuIIiYI8

    Today, 13:05

  • DuncanChapple

    RT @iRNY: Still offering a lift from London (or Oxford/Gloucester/Hereford) to Hay-on-Wye tomorrow if anyone's interested. #Hay25 #HayFestival

    Today, 13:04

  • paigedooley_

    There are some weirdos out in gloucester to be fair

    Today, 13:04

  • Mikeeey_6

    Have to go Gloucester now #FuckMyLife!!!

    Today, 13:02

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