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Salem, Massachusetts

Population: 40,407
Located in Essex County

History of Salem Massachusetts
The city of Salem, Massachusetts, is one of America's oldest and most fascinating cities. Settled in 1626, Salem is known as The Witch City because of the infamous Salem Witch Trials of 1692. Today the Salem community works to preserve the past as it look into the future.

The history of America comes alive in Salem, and it is easy to explore. The Salem Heritage Trail links all of Salem's historic sites together on a red line painted on the sidewalk. The heritage trail is 1.7 miles long and self-guided. It can take as much time as you would like to spend! As a walk around the city, allow an hour and a half. If you plan to stop in at the attractions, you could spend a few days exploring the Heritage Trail. Don't forget to look up when you are on the Heritage Trail: One of Salem's greatest assets is the breathtaking architecture.

It may be most widely known as the site of the Salem witchcraft trials of 1692, but this colorful, coastal city has much to offer both residents and visitors: a culturally diverse population, a rich maritime heritage, an impressive display of historic architecture and amazing stories that span almost four centuries.

The architecture of Salem is presented to visitors on the self-guided McIntire Historic District trail. The trail will lead you through the historic Chestnut Street neighborhood. Chestnut Street is considered by many to be one of the most beautiful streets in the world, and it has been designated a Registered National Historic Landmark. Most of the homes on the walk are private. The Stephen Phillips Memorial Trust House on Chestnut Street is open to the public seasonally.

Salem's African American Heritage comes alive in the trail published by the National Park Service. The brochure, available at the National Park Service visitor center, highlights sites of importance in Salem and outlines the roles played by African Americans in Salem and in America. From abolitionist to soldier to seaman to caterer, the stories of Salem's African Americans bring their history alive.

Information is available in the Visitor Center about what to see in Salem as well as in other areas and communities of Essex County. Just around the corner on Essex Street, you will find the Peabody Essex Museum, founded in 1799 as the Salem East India Society. Members of the Society were required by the society's charter to collect "natural and artificial curiosities" from beyond the Cape of Good Hope or Cape Horn. In 1992, the Peabody Museum of Salem merged with the Essex Institute to form the Peabody Essex Museum. The large collections of art and history are diverse and fascinating. Ongoing and special exhibitions alone make a visit worthwhile. The museum's beautifully restored Philliips Library contains local historical resources such as genealogical information, early photographs, local memorabilia, and documents dating back to Salem's founding.

From the Peabody Essex Museum, as you continue west along the Essex Street walking mall you'll see many shops and restaurants, as well as the Witch History Museum. Derby Square is on your left and here you will find Salem's old Town Hall, opened in 1816 and used as city government's headquarters until 1836/37. The Heritage Trail will lead you along Essex Street to a right turn. It's a short block to Lynde Street and The Witch Dungeon Museum where live reenactments of a Salem Witch Trial adapted from 1692 transcripts are a unique experience.

The Heritage Trail leads you to the Witch House on the corner of Essex and Summer Streets. Built in 1642, this is one of the oldest dwellings in the United States. It was the home of Jonathan Corwin, a magistrate during the witchcraft hysteria of 1692, and it remained in the Corwin family until the well into the 1800's. It was rescued from demolition and restored by Historic Salem, Inc. in 1944.

Only a block from the Visitor Center, and facing the Salem Common, you'll find an imposing stone Romanesque building housing the famous Salem Witch Museum. The horrifying events of the 1692 witch trials are depicted in the museum's thoroughly researched and powerful presentation. Visitors are offered a complete look at one of the most important, emotional, and tragic events in American history.

Courtesy of Salem Office of Tourism & Cultural Affairs, Inc

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