The site commemorates the 'Age of Sail' when Salem was a primary port for goods coming from Sumatra, Canton, and the Philippines.
Nathaniel Hawthorne authored 'The Scarlet Letter' during his tenure as a surveyor at the Salem Custom House.
Derby Wharf extends half a mile into the harbor, making it the longest wharf in Salem.
The replica ship 'Friendship' is a full-scale reconstruction of an original 1797 East Indiaman merchant vessel.
The site includes the 1819 Custom House, which replaced earlier colonial-era versions to accommodate growing federal shipping tax collections.
Salem Maritime National Historic Site preserves a nine-acre waterfront district chronicling New England’s maritime trade history from the post-Revolutionary period. The site features the Custom House, where Nathaniel Hawthorne worked as a surveyor, and the Derby Wharf Light Station. It serves as the nation's first National Historic Site, established by Congress in 1938. Visitors can explore the recreated 1797 merchant ship 'Friendship of Salem' when docked at Derby Wharf. The park encompasses several historic buildings, including the West India Goods Store and Hawkes House. Extensive wharves provide direct access to Salem Harbor, reflecting the city’s significance in global trade with the East Indies. Interpretive exhibits explain the logistical and economic impact of privateering and shipping merchants on the development of the United States. The site is managed by the National Park Service and includes a visitor center with orientation films.
The end of Derby Wharf, capturing the lighthouse with the historic Custom House and the ship in the background.
Walk the entire length of Derby Wharf to the lighthouse for views of the harbor and the Salem skyline.
Visit the visitor center first to check the status of ship tours, as the 'Friendship' is not always open for boarding.
Wear comfortable, flat footwear, as the wharf surface is uneven granite and cobblestone.
Do not attempt to walk on the wharf during high-wind weather events, as the granite surfaces become slippery and exposed.
The replica ship 'Friendship' is subject to seasonal maintenance and may not be accessible for boarding during the winter months; the Visitor Center operates daily with limited closures on major holidays.
Maintain respectful volume inside historic buildings; remain on designated paths when boarding the vessel.
