ABSTRACT
Historically, ports have provided a working gateway into many American communities. For those lucky enough to be situated along rivers, lakes, and harbors, small towns with waterfronts were easily accessed by explorers, travelers, and eventually industry. The working waterfront of past years was the heart of the industrial and fishing communities in a small town. As a result, the commercial centers of these towns developed next to the waterfronts as well. Today, the downtown areas in small towns typically can be found within a few blocks of the waterfront.
