Salem, Massachusetts

A Day in Salem, Massachusetts 

A few units of the National Park System in Massachusetts to add to my list.  

We are off again on another epic adventure.  We started our trip traveling across Pennsylvania until we ended in Cape Cod for 4 nights.  We spent time just relaxing on the beach and recharging.  

After the beach we headed to Salem, Massachusetts to step into history.  

We spent an evening and the next morning exploring Salem, and easy 1 day destination. 

Salem Maritime National Historic Site- 

This is the first National Historic Site in the United States.  It is made up of many buildings and water front around Salem.  The pups thoroughly enjoyed the walk along the waterfront, they even found some other puppy friends to play with.  

The Custom House 

This is Derby Wharf, which was built by the Derby family between 1762 and 1806. It is 1/2 mile long out to Derby Lighthouse.   

Derby Lighthouse at the end of the wharf. 

Essex Street, Salem 

Essex Street is the heart of the town.  You can explore art and cultural museums, get a tattoo, shop for souvenirs, or have an amazing meal.  We walked the first night the tourist part of Essex street to check out the unique light poles, window shop, and find history around The Salem Witch Trials.  

Salem Witch Trials Memorial- dedicated to the 20 victims of the witch trials of 1692.  Found on Liberty Street, just a short walk from Essex Street. 

Charter Street Cemetery is adjacent to the Salem Witch Trials Memorial. 

 The cemetery is currently closed for restoration. 

Established in 1637, this is one of the oldest cemeteries in the US, only predated by indigenous burial grounds. 

Essex Street 

Statue dedicated to the TV Show "Bewitched" 

The Witch House 

This is the only home left that has a connection to the Salem Witch Trials, and was home to Judge Corwin, who presided over many of the Witch Trials. 

The House of the Seven Gables 

Also know as the Turner-Ignersoll Mansion, the House of the Seven Gables didn't start out with seven gables.  The original structure was built in 1668, but only had 2 gables.  After additions and restorations, the house today stands with those 7 gables.  

Central Chimney- part of the original house structure. 

Dinning Room 

Hidden Staircase that is part of the central chimney, but not original to the house. Was added in the early 1900s.  

Top of that staircase.  Yes- we went up it.  

In the attic- one of the gables 

Another gable 

Office 

Main bedroom 

Parlor Room 

Liquor Cabinet 

Home where Nathaniel Hawthorne was born 

Salem Commons 

This eight acre park was once where the East Regiment from Salem drilled in 1637.  We had fun walking the dogs here on our second evening.  

We also spent time driving around the town looking at all the historic buildings.  Almost every building and home has a historic plaque on it with the date it was built.  We really enjoy our time in the quaint little town.