About America's First National Historic Site
The site consists of nine acres of land and twelve historic structures
A national historic site contains a single historical feature that was directly associated with its subject. Derived from the Historic Sites Act of 1935, a number of historic sites were established by secretaries of the Interior, but most have been authorized by acts of Congress.
The Salem Maritime National Historic Site in Salem, Massachusetts was designated as the first National Historic Site in America on March 17, 1938. While not the oldest, it is the first in America to be designated as a National Historic Site. Its purpose is to promote the maritime history of New England and the United States, and preserve part of the historic waterfront in Salem, Massachusetts.
The U.S. National Park Service defines Salem Maritime National Historic Site as America's first National Historic Site. The National Maritime Historical Society recognizes it as the first National Historic Site in the United States. The Advisory Council on Historic Preservation defines it as the first designated National Historic Site.
Salem Maritime was established to preserve and interpret the maritime history of New England and the United States. The park documents the development of the Atlantic triangular trade during the colonial period, the role of privateering during the Revolutionary War, and the international maritime trade, especially with the Far East, which established American economic independence after the Revolution.
The entire historic site encompasses nine acres of land and twelve historic structures along the Salem waterfront, as well as a downtown visitor center. The oldest structure on the premises is the Derby-Broughton House (1762), the wharf itself, known as Derby Wharf, was also built by the Derby family, starting in 1762 and extended 1806), Friendship of Salem – a replica of a 1797 East Indiaman, Hawkes House (begun c. 1780, finished 1800), Narbonne House (1675), Pedrick Store House, a three-story building, constructed around 1770, Salem Custom House (1819), St. Joseph Hall (1909) and the West India Goods Store (1800, finished 1804).
When the National Park Service first looked at creating the site in 1935, there were about a dozen buildings on the property. Only five were judged to be important enough to keep; the rest were late 19th or early 20th century buildings that were knocked down to open up the space.
The five buildings were: the U.S. Custom House, a fine example of Federal-style government architecture; the Hawkes House, another fine example of Federal style domestic architecture; the Derby House, a small gem of Georgian architecture, and two warehouses: Forrester's Warehouse, which stood on Central Wharf, and unfortunately later had to be taken down, and a warehouse built by Henry Prince and today known as the West India Goods store.
The museum interprets the Triangle Trade during the colonial period, in cotton, rum, sugar and slaves; the actions of privateers during the American Revolution; and global maritime trade with the Far East, after independence. Salem Maritime National Historic Site offers guided tours, educational programs, and exhibits that provide insight into Salem's maritime heritage, including its role in the China Trade and the Salem Witch Trials.
The historic buildings within the Salem Maritime National Historic Site showcase various architectural styles from different periods of American history. Visitors can admire the Federal-style architecture of the Derby House, the Greek Revival style of the Custom House, and the functional design of the historic wharves and warehouses.
The National Park Service manages both the Salem Maritime National Historic Site and a Regional Visitor Center in downtown Salem. The National Park Service (NPS) is an agency of the United States Department of the Interior.
Recently the National Park Service released annual figures and statistics about the site. There were over 750,000 visitors who spent an estimated $50,000,000. Salem Maritime National Historic Site celebrated its 100th anniversary in 2016.
This site is fee-free year-round. No entrance fee or pass is required. The only fee associated with a visit is for watching the film Salem Witch Hunt, which is shown multiple times each day at the Salem Armory Visitor Center. All outdoor spaces including the grounds, gardens, waterfront, and wharves are accessible 7 days a week. Please check the Visitor Center hours to learn more about which facilities are open.
Overall, the Salem Maritime National Historic Site is a fascinating destination for anyone interested in American history, maritime heritage, architecture, and literature. Visitors can explore exhibits that detail the history of Salem's shipping industry, trade routes, and the impact of maritime commerce on the local economy and culture.
It offers a glimpse into the early days of the United States, when seaports like Salem played a crucial role in shaping the nation's economy, culture, and identity. The park and its partners preserve and interpret over 600 years of New England's maritime history and global connections.
The Salem Maritime National Historic Site serves as a reminder of Salem's significant role in American maritime history and provides insight into the life and economy of a historic coastal city. It attracts history enthusiasts, families, and anyone interested in the maritime heritage of the United States.
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