Salem in Essex County, Massachusetts — The American Northeast (New England)
Wharves in the Late 1800s
Salem Maritime National Historical Site
— National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior —
After 1870 Salem’s ships no longer brought exotic goods from the Orient. Instead they plied coastal waters, hauling lumber from Maine and coal from Pennsylvania. As Salem turned from commerce to manufacturing, its ships imported cotton and hides to be exported as textiles and shoes.
From this viewpoint you can see what remains of three historic wharves-Derby Wharf on your left, Central Wharf on your right, and Hatch’s Wharf where you are standing. The wharves are built of timber and stone with earth fill.
(Photo of Derby Wharf) Derby Wharf about 1890 as it looked from near this point. The ship Mindora is docked in the foreground. Warehouses once lined the wharf, but none remain today. The wharves have been modified and repaired many times.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Waterways & Vessels. A significant historical year for this entry is 1850.
Location. This marker has been replaced by another marker nearby. It was located near 42° 31.26′ N, 70° 53.232′ W. Marker was in Salem, Massachusetts, in Essex 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 late 1800's (a few steps from this marker); Central Wharf (within shouting distance of this marker); Salem Maritime National Historic Site (within shouting distance of this marker); Derby Wharf (within shouting distance of this marker); The Custom House (within shouting distance of this marker); Home for Aged Women (within shouting distance of this marker); Wharves in the Early 1800s (within shouting distance of this marker); Pedrick Store House, 1770 (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Salem.
Related marker. Click here for another marker that is related to this marker. This marker has been replaced by the linked marker.
Credits. This page was last revised on November 19, 2021. It was originally submitted on January 11, 2013, by Don Morfe of Baltimore, Maryland. This page has been viewed 389 times since then. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on January 11, 2013, by Don Morfe of Baltimore, Maryland. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.