Herman Melville lived at Arrowhead, his Pittsfield farm, the from 1850 to 1863. During that time he wrote Moby Dick and other major works. The view of Mount Greylock on the horizon reminded him of a sperm whale coming up to breathe.

The Berkshire County Historical Society manages the property. They have restored most of the house to Melville’s period. The house is open as a museum. It was the first National Historic Landmark to be designated in Berkshire County.