New bedford elevator The New Bedford Elevator was built in 1895 by the New Bedford Dry Dock Company, a prominent shipbuilding firm in the region. The elevator was designed to lift and lower ships between the company's dry dock and the Acushnet River, providing a critical link in the shipbuilding process. The elevator was constructed using a unique combination of iron and steel, with a massive wooden platform that could accommodate ships up to 250 feet in length and 4,000 tons in weight. The New Bedford Elevator operated continuously for over a century, playing a vital role in the city's shipbuilding industry. During World War I and World War II, the elevator was used to repair and refit naval vessels, contributing to the war effort. In the post-war period, the elevator was adapted to service the city's growing fishing fleet, helping to maintain New Bedford's status as one of the nation's leading fishing ports. Despite its historical significance, the New Bedford Elevator faced an uncertain future in the late 20th century. The decline of the city's shipbuilding and fishing industries, coupled with the high cost of maintaining the aging structure, led to the elevator's closure in the 1990s. For several years, the elevator sat idle, its massive wooden platform slowly deteriorating and its future in doubt. However, in the early 21st century, a renewed interest in the city's maritime history and the potential for heritage tourism led to a new chapter for the New Bedford Elevator. In 2006, the elevator was added to the National Register of Historic Places, recognizing its significance as a rare surviving example of a late 19th-century industrial ship elevator. Today, the New Bedford Elevator is being restored and adapted for new uses. The wooden platform has been replaced with a modern steel structure, and the elevator is being transformed into a public space that will celebrate the city's maritime heritage and provide stunning views of the Acushnet River. The restoration project is being led by the New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park, in partnership with the city of New Bedford and other local organizations. The New Bedford Elevator was built in 1895 by the New Bedford Dry Dock Company, a prominent shipbuilding firm in the region. The elevator was designed to lift and lower ships between the company's dry dock and the Acushnet River, providing a critical link in the shipbuilding process. The elevator was constructed using a unique combination of iron and steel, with a massive wooden platform that could accommodate ships up to 250 feet in length and 4,000 tons in weight. The New Bedford Elevator operated continuously for over a century, playing a vital role in the city's shipbuilding industry. During World War I and World War II, the elevator was used to repair and refit naval vessels, contributing to the war effort. In the post-war period, the elevator was adapted to service the city's growing fishing fleet, helping to maintain New Bedford's status as one of the nation's leading fishing ports. Despite its historical significance, the New Bedford Elevator faced an uncertain future in the late 20th century. The decline of the city's shipbuilding and fishing industries, coupled with the high cost of maintaining the aging structure, led to the elevator's closure in the 1990s. For several years, the elevator sat idle, its massive wooden platform slowly deteriorating and its future in doubt. However, in the early 21st century, a renewed interest in the city's maritime history and the potential for heritage tourism led to a new chapter for the New Bedford Elevator. In 2006, the elevator was added to the National Register of Historic Places, recognizing its significance as a rare surviving example of a late 19th-century industrial ship elevator. Today, the New Bedford Elevator is being restored and adapted for new uses. The wooden platform has been replaced with a modern steel structure, and the elevator is being transformed into a public space that will celebrate the city's maritime heritage and provide stunning views of the Acushnet River. The restoration project is being led by the New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park, in partnership with the city of New Bedford and other local organizations. The New Bedford Elevator is more than just a historic structure; it is a symbol of the city's resilience and innovation. For over a century, the elevator played a critical role in the city's shipbuilding and fishing industries, helping to shape the region's economy and identity. Today, as the elevator is being restored and adapted for new uses, it serves as a reminder of the city's rich maritime heritage and the potential for heritage tourism to drive economic growth and community development. 5. Passport Services: The Tuscarawas Clerk of Courts office is an authorized passport acceptance facility. The office can accept passport applications, take passport photos, and submit applications to the U.S. Department of State for processing.