Salem in Essex County, Massachusetts — The American Northeast (New England)
West India Goods Store
Salem Maritime National Historic Site
| | National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior | |
Captain Henry Prince (1764-1846) built the store across the street about 1800 while living in the brick house next door, which he purchased from famed merchant Elias Hasket Derby. It is assumed Prince used the store as a warehouse for cargo. Today, the West India Goods Store sells items similiar to those found in Salem shops during the early nineteenth century.
Many stores in Salem specialized in selling merchandise brought back not ust from the West Indies but from ports around the world. Goods ranging from Sumatran pepper to Chinese porcelain could be found in the shops, allowing Salem residents to enjoy an unusual variety of products.
Prince, who went to sea at age 19, became a successful merchant and the owner or part-owner of nine ships. He exported local goods and imported a wide variety of luxury items into Salem, most of which were then sent to other ports.
As was common in merchant families, his son, Henry Prince, Jr. (1787-1854), joined him in business and commanded a privateer part-owned by his father during the War of 1812. He became a lieutenant in the U.S. Revenue Cutter Service about the time his
this page online
Erected by National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • War of 1812 • Waterways & Vessels. A significant historical year for this entry is 1800.
Location. 42° 31.296′ N, 70° 53.182′ W. Marker is in Salem, Massachusetts, in Essex County. It is at the intersection of Derby Street and Palfrey Court, on the right when traveling east on Derby Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 159 Derby St, Salem MA 01970, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is on Massachusetts’ North Shore, in Greater Boston, and in the Merrimack Valley. It is also in the American Northeast, in New England, and on the Eastern Seaboard. Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region, North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once one of the original Thirteen Colonies.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Derby House
Other markers no longer nearby. Derby House (was within shouting distance of this marker but has been replaced with another marker now near it); Privateer Warehouse (was within shouting distance of this marker but has been permanently removed); a different marker also named The Custom House (was within shouting distance of this marker but has been replaced with another marker now near it); a different marker also named Derby Wharf (was within shouting distance of this marker but has been confirmed missing).
Credits. This page was last revised on November 19, 2021. It was originally submitted on November 19, 2021, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 473 times since then and 28 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on November 19, 2021, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.
