How did petroleum discovered in Pennsylvania in 1859 affect American whaling?

The discovery of petroleum in Pennsylvania in 1859 had a profound impact on the American whaling industry, contributing significantly to its rapid decline.1

Before this discovery, whale oil and spermaceti were primary sources of fuel for lighting. However, the development of kerosene—which could be distilled from petroleum—provided a more efficient and accessible alternative for illumination. As kerosene lamps spread across the country, the demand for whale products plummeted.213

By 1860, the American whaling fleet, which had previously boasted over 700 vessels, entered a period of stagnation and decline. The industry, once a major economic force, was reduced to a business of minor importance by 1879 as petroleum-based products effectively displaced the market for whale oil. This shift in energy sources represents a critical turning point in the history of human predation on whales, as the economic incentive for large-scale commercial whaling for lamp fuel was largely eliminated.13