A large percentage of the world’s major cities are found on waterways since ships have been, and still are in many cases, the most common method of transporting goods from country to country. A significant number of these cities are located on the world’s oceans since oceanic travel offers convenient access to almost all of the world’s trading nations. This series of posts features some of the Cities on the Ocean that we have visited.

This first installment of Cities on the Ocean concentrates on the East Coast of the United States.

New York, NY — America’s largest city has been a major center for trade and commerce since its early days as a Dutch colony. New York greeted millions of immigrants at the end of the 19th Century and into the Twentieth Century. The Statue of Liberty, one of the world’s most recognizable icons, still greets visitors who enter the city by water.

Statue of Liberty

Portland, ME — A long-time center for trade and fishing, Portland has seen a revival recently as the warehouses along the pier have been restored and renovated to serve as restaurants and shops.

Portland Head Light

Newport, RI — Once the major summer escape for America’s wealthy, Newport still swarms with tourists during much of the year. The city hosted the America’s Cup, the world’s premier sailing competition for many years. Recently, Newport has become a major cruise port for travelers to the region.

Newport Harbor

Charleston, SC — An important commercial city of the Deep South, Charleston was a major link in the Slave Trade which also involved the shipping of American cotton to Europe during the late 18th and 19th centuries.

The Battery, Charleston

Miami, FL — Florida’s largest city has, for many years, offered access to the Caribbean Sea and its many islands. Today, Miami remains a major port and a stop for cruises ships.

Art Deco Buildings, Miami Beach