Gloucester is a city located in Essex County, Massachusetts. The city has an estimated population of 31,000. Gloucester was settled in 1623. Around 1626 the settlement was vacated, the meetinghouse was even disassembled and relocated to Naumkeag. At some point in the following years the area was resettled. This led to the town being formally incorporated in 1642. The community developed into an vital fishing port, chiefly due to its closeness to Georges Bank and other fishing banks off the east coast of Nova Scotia and Newfoundland. Gloucester's most renowned seafood business was founded in 1849, John Pew and Sons. It turned into Gorton-Pew Fisheries in 1906, and in 1957 changed its name to Gorton's of Gloucester. The iconic figure 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 hub for fish research. This is America's oldest fishing port.
One of Gloucester's most famous landmarks is the harbor side "Man at the Wheel" statue. So if you are visiting this port make sure you see this symbol that represents one of our early settlements.
Gloucester's prime yearly event is St. Peter's Fiesta, sponsored by the local Italian community. It is held the weekend closest to the saint's feast day. Some of the highlights of the festival are the blessing of the fleet, and the greasy pole contest.
Directions from Logan International Airport to Port of Gloucester