The Whaling Bark Wanderer was launched in 1878 from Mattapoisett, MA, very close to this flagpole. In 1924, the Wanderer was the last Whaler to sail from New Bedford. While anchored of Cuttyhunk Island near Martha's Vineyard, the ship broke from it's moorings in a storm and broke up in the sea. Parts of the ship were recovered including the top main mast which resides on the top portion of this flagpole, home once again.