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''Niantic'' was a whaleship that brought fortune-seekers to Yerba Buena later renamed San Francisco during the California Gold Rush of 1849. Run aground and converted into a storeship and hotel, she was a prominent landmark in the booming city for several years. The site of ''Niantic'' beside the Transamerica Pyramid is now a California Historical Landmark. Artifacts excavated in 1978 and the ship's log from her last voyage are on display in the San Francisco Maritime Museum. ==Early years== 1832—''Niantic'' built in Connecticut. Originally intended for trade with China, she was later converted to a sperm whaler. Owners in 1840 appear to have been N. L. and G. Griswold of New York.〔 1840—''Niantic'', Captain Doty in command (Captain Robert Bennett Forbes acting), sailed with tea and silk from Port of Canton to an unstated destination (perhaps New York) via Anjer (Anyer), Indonesia, just missing a blockade by the British in Canton as part of the First Opium War. "Probably this was the last and most profitable voyage of ''Niantic'' as a merchant ship."〔 The China trade painting of ''Niantic'' at right shows her at the Whampoa anchorage near Canton. Although the date is unknown, 1840 seems likely. 1844—''Niantic'' bought by C. T. Deering for whaling.〔 June 4, 1844—''Niantic'' sailed from Sag Harbor, Captain Slate in command, for Pacific whaling cruise, including New Zealand whaling grounds.〔 February 1, 1847—''Niantic'' returned to Sag Harbor after voyage of nearly three years.〔 1847—''Niantic'' purchased by Burr & Smith of Warren, Rhode Island.〔 September 16, 1848—''Niantic'' sailed from Warren, Captain Henry Cleaveland of West Tisbury, Massachusetts (Martha's Vineyard) in command,〔 〕 headed for northwest Pacific. His sons James and Daniel Cleaveland were first and second mates, respectively.〔 抄文引用元・出典: フリー百科事典『 ウィキペディア（Wikipedia）』 ■ウィキペディアで「Niantic (whaling vessel)」の詳細全文を読む スポンサード リンク
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