Salem Maritime National Historic Site

Steeped in maritime history and nestled along the waterfront of Salem, Massachusetts, the Salem Maritime National Historic Site is a treasure trove of stories from America's early days of seafaring and trade. This historic site, managed by the National Park Service, spans approximately nine acres and encompasses twelve historic buildings. Each structure and wharf tells a tale of the bustling port city that once played a pivotal role in shaping the nation's economic and cultural landscape.

The Historical Significance of Salem Maritime

Established in 1938, the Salem Maritime National Historic Site was the first National Historic Site in the United States. Its creation aimed to preserve and highlight the importance of Salem as a major hub for maritime commerce in the 18th and 19th centuries. During its peak, Salem was the sixth-largest port in the country, and its well-preserved structures offer a glimpse into the past, showcasing the architectural and economic prowess of the era.

Exploring the Wharves

The waterfront of Salem was once lined with over fifty wharves, each bustling with activity as ships docked to unload exotic goods from around the world. Today, three of these wharves remain preserved within the historic site, each with its own unique story.

The Derby Wharf, constructed in 1762 by merchant Richard Derby Sr., is the longest and most prominent of the preserved wharves. It stretches nearly half a mile into Salem Harbor and served as a vital point of trade and commerce. Walking along Derby Wharf, visitors can imagine the flurry of activity that once took place, with ships unloading goods and merchants haggling over prices. At the end of the wharf stands the Derby Wharf Light Station, a beacon built in 1871 to guide ships safely into the harbor.

Hatch's Wharf, though shorter, holds its own historical significance. Built in 1819, it replaced an earlier, narrower structure and contributed to the thriving maritime economy of Salem. Central Wharf, constructed in 1791 by Simon Forrester and expanded in 1805, still retains two original warehouses that provide a fascinating insight into the storage practices of the time. These warehouses, often towering up to three stories, were essential for storing goods awaiting transport or sale.

Historic Buildings of Salem Maritime

The historic site also boasts several buildings that served various purposes during Salem's maritime heyday. The Custom House, built in 1819, is one of the most notable structures. It served as the administrative hub for the U.S. Customs Service, which took over from the English colonial administration in 1789. The building's grand architecture, with its high ceilings, sweeping staircase, and intricate woodwork, reflects the power and importance of federal authority in regulating trade. A wooden eagle, crafted by local artist Joseph True in 1826, adorns the roof, symbolizing the might of the federal government. Inside, the Custom House features exhibits on the tools and practices of customs officers, including the office of Nathaniel Hawthorne, who worked here from 1846 to 1848 and drew inspiration for his novel The Scarlet Letter.

Adjacent to the Custom House are the Public Stores and Scale House. The Public Stores, a three-story warehouse, was used to store confiscated goods until customs duties were paid. The Scale House, despite its name, housed the scales and tools used to determine the value of imported goods. Exhibits here include examples of imported items and a Whitehall rowboat from 1886, used by customs inspectors to board incoming ships.

Homes of Salem's Prominent Figures

The site also preserves the homes of some of Salem's most influential residents. The Derby House, built in 1762 as a wedding gift from Elias Hasket Derby to his bride Elizabeth Crowninshield, was the first brick house in Salem. The Derby family, one of the wealthiest in Salem, lived here for twenty years before selling it to Henry Prince. The house, restored to its 18th-century condition, is surrounded by a garden designed in 1990 to reflect the period's style.

The Hawkes House, commissioned by Elias Hasket Derby and designed by architect Samuel McIntire in 1780, was left unfinished until Benjamin Hawkes, a shipyard owner, completed it in 1801. This Federal-style building, with its elegant entrance and large windows, now houses the administrative offices of the National Historic Site and is not open to the public.

The Narbonne-Hale House, built in 1675 by butcher Thomas Ives, is one of the oldest surviving structures in Salem. This wooden house, with its central chimney and later additions, provides a glimpse into the life of a middle-class New England family. Named after Sarah Narbonne, who lived here until her death at age 101, the house is accessible through guided tours that highlight its architectural evolution and historical uses.

Commerce and Community

The West India Goods Store, constructed in 1804, initially served as a warehouse for goods imported from East Asia by Henry Prince's ships. It was converted into a retail store for colonial goods in 1836. The building, which has been relocated twice, is now open daily for visitors to explore.

St. Joseph Hall, built in 1909 by the St. Joseph Society, a Polish immigrant brotherhood, reflects the cultural diversity of Salem's population. The hall, which included shops, workshops, a large meeting room, and apartments for new immigrants, now houses offices and workshops for the National Park Service, as well as the Salem Maritime National Historic Site's education center.

In conclusion, the Salem Maritime National Historic Site is a captivating destination for anyone interested in America's maritime history. Its well-preserved wharves and buildings offer a rich tapestry of stories from Salem's golden age of seafaring and trade. A visit to this historic site is not just a journey through time but an opportunity to witness the enduring legacy of a city that once stood at the forefront of global commerce.