Site of Old Whaling Station
California State Historic Landmark 381
03/14/97
#381 Portuguese Bend Whaling Station
On the slopes below and west of this plaque stood the headquarters of Portuguese
whalemen who put out through the surf in boats under oars and sail to harpoon passing gray whales
to be towed ashore where the blubber was stripped and "tried out" in large black iron try-pots to
produce valuable whale oil for lamps and lubricants. Active from 1860 to 1885, this station began
its decline with the advent of fossil oil; however, three of the original structures, the
try-pots, and crumbling furnaces remained until about 1928. This site is registered as California
Historical Landmark #381.
Nothing remains of this site.
On wall at entrance to Portuguese Bend Club, Palos Verdes Dr and Maritime Rd, Rancho Palos Verdes.
Return to other landmarks in Los Angeles county.
Please note: I have no connection to any organizations mentioned on this site.
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