History of Whitehaven
Whitehaven has a wealth of historical information that many cities throughout the world would be proud to have as their own. The history of Whitehaven began with the coal trade. Coal became the founding stone of many innovative businesses.
Whitehaven has many links with America, but perhaps the most famous link of all is that of John Paul Jones. Jones was raised in Whitehaven and trained as a seaman. These skills were transferred to the American military as Jones became the founding father of the US Navy. In an amazing turn of events, Jones, and his fleet, attacked Whitehaven during the American war of Independence, in 1777.
Whitehaven is a very popular place with tourists, it offers brilliant sea air and has a very calming atmosphere. Museums also play a large part in the tourist industry in Whitehaven. The Haig Pit mining museum, learn about Whitehaven's mining past. Or tour the Beacon Visitor Centre which has interactive displays telling the history of the town and harbour or even The Rum Story (the Dark Spirit of Whitehaven) the worlds first story of rum. Here you will learn about rum production, the Jefferson family, the shipbuilding industry and Whitehaven's part in the slave trade.