Sperm oil refining in New England began around 1750, driven by the whaling industry and the demand for spermaceti oil. This process led to the establishment of candleworks and oil refining operations in ports like New Bedford and Nantucket. The economic impact of sperm oil was significant, as it became a vital resource for lighting and lubrication, contributing to the growth of New England's maritime economy and shaping the region's industrial landscape.

Sperm oil refining in New England around 1750 supported the domestic economy depicted in local literary works. Poets like Henry Wadsworth Longfellow captured the essence of maritime life, intertwining economic themes with cultural narratives, while also reflecting on the environmental implications of such industries.