The whale oil industry emerged in the late 17th century but truly gained momentum during the 18th century. As demand for light increased with expanding urban areas and industrialization, whales were hunted extensively for their oil-rich blubber. The industry grew particularly strong in regions such as New England, where ships were fitted with equipment specifically designed to process the harvested whales at sea. This allowed for efficient extraction of the oil, leading to its widespread use in lamps and other forms of illumination.