Thomas Crapo (1841–1899)
Thomas Crapo was a daring New Bedford mariner whose bold adventure captured international attention in the late 19th century. Born in Dartmouth, Massachusetts, Crapo worked as a mariner and house painter before undertaking the voyage that would make him famous.
In 1877, seeking to prove his seamanship and courage, Crapo and his wife, Joanna, set sail from New Bedford in a small dory named the New Bedford with the goal of crossing the Atlantic Ocean. Against all odds, and with minimal provisions, the couple braved storms and the vastness of the ocean, eventually landing safely in England after just under two months at sea.
Their remarkable feat was celebrated worldwide as a triumph of determination and human spirit. Crapo’s voyage became a symbol of New Bedford’s enduring maritime tradition—of men and women willing to risk everything for adventure, survival, and recognition.
Though his later years were marked by hardship, Thomas Crapo’s name remains etched into the lore of New Bedford’s seafaring history. His story stands as a testament to the courage and resilience of those who called the Whaling City home.