Salem Maritime National Historic Park

Elite '09

19

101

Ger T.

Arlington, MA

4/28/2008 2 photos

Guided tour. $5. You really can't get a better deal than this. Salem Maritime Historic National Park is fairly small, and there isn't a ton of stuff to see and do, but if you're in Salem and at all interested in the history of northern Massachusetts, the East India Company, or just want to see what life was like for a worker in the docks of one of the United States' most important ports, this park is worth your time.

Quick run down of attractions:
-The Friendship of Salem, a replica of a 19th century East India Merchantman docked just outside the visitor's center. Tours are guided only. Incredibly accurate detailing on this ship. If you have only been to the Constitution and/or the Charles W. Morgan, check out this ship, built for hauling cargo and yet also for speed.
- The Salem Custom House, where Nathaniel Hawthorne worked while trying to support his family as a starving author. Apparently he worked from 10-2 PM and did absolutely nothing. What a job.
- The Derby House, a two story brick house from 1762, home to one of Salem's most prominent shipping families (who dabbled in privateering).
- The outbuildings behind the Custom House, containing all the equipment and transportation needed to weigh, measure, and process cargo coming off the wharves.

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