Bludhaven Isle became part of Gotham city in the late 19th century when all of the city was incorporated under a single authority. The island started as a whaling town, where the carcasses of the giant animals were transformed into good for sale to the mainland. The town has generally had a poor socioeconomic populace, owing in part to failed efforts to transform itself into a manufacturing and shipping center. Culturally and financially, the citizens of Gotham City looked down on the yokels from Bludhaven. The Free Men mob dominates this district, protected by endemic police corruption.