Salem in Essex County, Massachusetts — The American Northeast (New England)

Central Wharf

Salem Maritime National Historical Site

— National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior —

Central Wharf Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Don Morfe, October 2, 2010

1. Central Wharf Marker

Inscription. The grassy strip of land extending into the harbor in front of you was once a busy commercial wharf. In the late 1700’s and early 1800s, trade goods from around the world were loaded, unloaded and stored here. Build in 1784, Central Wharf was purchased in 1791 by ship owner Simon Forrester and extended to a length of 795 feet---the fourth longest in Salem. On the foundation in front of you, Forrester built a fine brick warehouse. From his home across the street behind you, Forrester could survey the source of his wealth---the ships and warehouses that lined the wharf.

Through the years the wharf has seen many uses. In the late 1800s and early 1900s, flour, grain, and coal were loaded here. From 1947 to 1973 the U.S. Navy operated a Reserve Training Center on this site. Today the historic remains of Central Wharf are preserved within Salem Maritime National Historic Site.

Erected by National Park Service.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Waterways & Vessels. A significant historical year for this entry is 1784.

Location. Marker has been reported missing. It was located near 42° 31.236′ N, 70° 53.238′ W. Marker was in Salem, Massachusetts, in Essex

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County. Marker was on Derby Street. Touch for map. Marker was in this post office area: Salem MA 01970, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this location. Wharves in the Early 1800s (within shouting distance of this marker); Pedrick Store House, 1770 (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named Central Wharf (within shouting distance of this marker); Salem Maritime National Historic Site (within shouting distance of this marker); Wharves in the late 1800's (within shouting distance of this marker); Friendship of Salem (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named Friendship of Salem (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Derby Wharf (about 300 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Salem.

More about this marker. This marker has been replaced by a recently submitted marker of the same name but with different text.

Photographed By Don Morfe, October 2, 2010

2. Central Wharf Marker

Photographed By Don Morfe, October 2, 2010

3. Central Wharf Marker

The name of the ship is Friendship of Salem

Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on January 11, 2013, by Don Morfe of Baltimore, Maryland. This page has been viewed 425 times since then and 15 times this year. Last updated on July 29, 2015, by J. Makali Bruton of Accra, Ghana. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on January 11, 2013, by Don Morfe of Baltimore, Maryland. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.