Gloucester- Prospect St. Housing

Gloucester is located on Cape Ann in Massachusetts. Once known at “le beau port” by settlers, Gloucester became one of the ship building capitals of New England in the 18th century. Two major fires -- one in 1830 and one in 1864 -- destroyed many of the buildings along the harbor. Fortunately, many buildings in the historic West End survived, as they were brick and granite structures.

Immigrants from Portugal, particularly the Azores, were drawn to Gloucester in the late 19th century because of its successful fishing industry. Immigrants from Italy, Sweden, Finland, and Ireland were also drawn to Gloucester for the fishing and granite industries, contributing to the city’s rich and vibrant culture.