Downtown Salem in Essex County, Massachusetts — The American Northeast (New England)
The Joshua Ward House
Built 1784-1787
| | Restored 1979-1980 | |
Photographed by Michael Cleary, July 28, 2025
1. The Joshua Ward House Marker
The Ward House is the only remaining waterfront mansion in Salem. It originally faced the South River which at that time extended along Front Street to beyond the site of the present Post Office. Joshua Ward owned one of the wharves across the street, located where the Salem News building now stands.
George Washington spent the night of October 29, 1789, here.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Colonial Era • Industry & Commerce • Waterways & Vessels. In addition, it is included in the George Washington Slept Here series list. A significant historical date for this entry is October 29, 1789.
Location. 42° 31.227′ N, 70° 53.739′ W. Marker is in Salem, Massachusetts, in Essex County. It is in Downtown Salem. It can be reached from the intersection of Washington Street and Front Street, on the right when traveling south. The marker is set in the ground behind the fence next to the entrance steps. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 148 Washington Street, Salem MA 01970, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is on Massachusetts’
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Elizabeth Montgomery as Samantha Stephens (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); The Town House (about 300 feet away); John P. Riley, U.S.N. (about 300 feet away); Massachusetts 59 POW & MIA Memorial (about 300 feet away); The First Meeting House Erected in Salem (about 400 feet away); Downtown South Broad Street (about 400 feet away); a different marker also named Town House (about 600 feet away); The London Coffee House (about 600 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Salem.
Also see . . .
1. Joshua Ward House - Massachusetts Historical Commission. (Submitted on August 6, 2025, by Michael Herrick of Southbury, Connecticut.)
2. Joshua Ward House (Wikipedia). (Submitted on August 6, 2025, by Michael Herrick of Southbury, Connecticut.)
Photographed by Michael Cleary, July 28, 2025
2. The Joshua Ward House Marker
Photographed by Michael Cleary, July 28, 2025
3. The Joshua Ward House
Photographed by Michael Cleary, July 28, 2025
4. The Joshua Ward House
Photographed by Michael Cleary, August 29, 2025
5. Salem News building, Front St and Washington St, seen from sidewalk in front of Joshua Ward House
The Salem News building stands where Joshua Ward's wharf was, on the South River.
Credits. This page was last revised on February 28, 2026. It was originally submitted on July 28, 2025, by Michael Cleary of Salem, Massachusetts. This page has been viewed 175 times since then and 38 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on July 28, 2025, by Michael Cleary of Salem, Massachusetts. 5. submitted on September 8, 2025, by Michael Cleary of Salem, Massachusetts. • Michael Herrick was the editor who published this page.
