Salem MA

Salem is a city located in Essex County, Massachusetts, U.S.A. The Essex County is situated in the northeastern part of Massachusetts.

History:

Salem was founded by a group of fishermen in 1626 and was officially incorporated in 1629. The name 'Salem' relates to the Hebrew word 'shalom' and the Arabic word 'salam', both words meaning 'peace'.

The city is still remembered as the site where the Salem Witch Trials took place. They began in 1692 and were also referred to as the Salem witch hunt and the Salem witchcraft episode. It was mainly the result of a belief that witches exist that led to witch hysteria within the Puritans (originally members of a group of English Protestants seeking purity). As a consequence, several convictions and executions occurred in the Salem Village as well as the Salem Town, resulting in the death of 20 people and the imprisonment of 150 more people.

By 1790, Salem was not only the sixth largest city in the country, but it was also a world famous seaport especially for trade in China. Codfish was exported mostly to the West Indies and Europe. The imports included sugar and molasses from the West Indies, tea from China and pepper from Sumatra. The Salem ships also visited many other places such as Africa, Russia, Japan and Australia.

In 1839, Salem adopted a city seal with the motto Divitis Indiae usque ad ultimum sinum, meaning to the farthest port of the rich east

But shipping actually declined during the 19th century. Cities such as Boston and New York seemed to eclipse Salem and its harbor. As a result, the city turned more towards manufacturing.

In the Great Salem Fire of 1914, huge parts of the mill town were destroyed. Due to that more than 400 homes had burned down, leaving around 3500 families homeless. Still much of Salem's architectural heritage survived.

Geography:

As stated by the United States Census Bureau, the citys total area is 46.8 km. 21 km of it is said to be land, while 25.8 km of it is water.

Attractions:

The attractions in Salem mostly represent its history and culture. Full of historical sites, its a treat for culture-lovers.

For example, theres the Peabody Essex Museum. It was founded in 1799 by a group of Salem based captains and was back then referred to as the East India Marine Society.According to the charter, members of the society had to collect natural as well as artificial items when on expeditions. In 1992, the Peabody Museum of Salem merged with the Essex Institute; hence the Peabody Essex Museum was formed. It contains significant collections of Asian arts, Japanese arts, Korean arts, Chinese arts, Native American arts, African arts and Indian arts. It also offers rare books, manuscripts and more than a half million rare and vintage images. The museum own 24 historic American structures and gardens.

Then theres also the Salem Maritime National Historic Site that consists of 12 historic structures and about 9 acres of land along the waterfront. Some of the structures in the historic site are:

The Friendship of Salem: a replica of a 1797 East Indiaman ship - Friendship. The original Friendship made around 15 voyages to places such as Batavia, India, China, South America, the Caribbean, England, Germany, the Mediterranean, and Russia. The British captured her as a prize of war in September, 1812.

Derby Wharf: built in 1762 (and was extended in 1806), it is Salem's longest wharf (around 1/2 mile). When it was in active use, it was lined with warehouses of goods from around the world.

Derby House: a fine example of Georgian architecture, it was built in 1762 by Captain Richard Derby as a wedding gift for his son.

Hawkes House: designed by famous Salem architect Samuel McIntire, its construction started in 1780. But before it was completed, the unfinished building was purchased by Benjamin Hawkes and was completed around the year 1800.

Salem Custom House: built in 1819, it was the 13th custom house in Salem. The first was built in 1649. They each collected taxes on imported goods.

Then theres the Witch House. It is the only structure still standing in Salem that has direct ties to the Salem Witch Trials. It was the home of Judge Jonathan Corwin, who was the one called upon to investigate the claims about witchcraft occurring in Salem. Built some time between 1642 and 1675, this house is an excellent example of seventeenth-century architecture.

The Salem Willows Park is the perfect option to mix history with some fun. It is an oceanfront neighborhood and amusement park that was named after the white willow trees that were planted there in 1801 to form a shaded walk for patients recovering at a smallpox hospital nearby. In 1858, the area became a public park. It also became a perfect summer destination for residents of Boston's North Shore in the 20th century.

Other Articles

1. laser tooth whitening boston
     If yellowed teeth have been causing you embarrassment in front of friends, acquaintances, and colleagues, you do...
2. car loan boston
     Meta Description: This article brings you a lot of details about Car Loan Boston. And also give some new informa...
3. boston university
     BOSTON UNIVERSITYThe Boston University, an esteemed name in the field of Educational and research work is locate..