Salem Maritime National Historic Site, in Salem, Massachusetts, preserves the history of Salem’s shipping industry. Salem Harbor served as an important New England shipping center during the late 1700’s and early 1800’s.
During the Revolutionary War in America (1775-1783), Salem was an important port for privateers, privately owned ships hired by the Continental Congress to attack and raid British ships. After the war, ships from Salem sailed to ports in the West Indies and Asia. These ships traded American goods for such items as cotton cloth from India, molasses, silk, spices, sugar and tropical fruits.
Visitors to the Salem Maritime National Historic Site can tour several historic structures along Salem Harbor. The Narbonne House, a private residence built in the 1670’s, is one of the oldest buildings in Salem.
The Custom House, built in 1819, issued permits and collected import taxes on foreign goods brought into the port. The American author Nathaniel Hawthorne worked at the house as a customs official from 1846 to 1849. A nearby building held large scales used by the United States Customs Service to weigh arriving cargo and ensure that it was properly taxed.
The Derby House, built in the 1760’s, is the oldest surviving brick residence in Salem. The house once belonged to wealthy merchant Elias Hasket Derby. The home sat close to the harbor so that Derby could keep an eye on his wharf and ships. The historic site includes Derby’s wharf and two other wharves. A lighthouse at the end of Derby’s wharf still operates today.
Visitors can also tour a restored West India Goods Store. The store sold imported goods as well as goods produced locally, such as cod, fishhooks, and nails. The site also maintains two warehouses used by shippers.
Salem Maritime National Historic Site was established on March 17, 1938. It was the first national historic site established by the National Park Service. The site is part of the Essex National Heritage Area, a network of historic sites in Essex County, Massachusetts.
