Salem in Essex County, Massachusetts — The American Northeast (New England)
Salem Harbor
Photographed by Dale K. Benington, July 30, 2009
1. Salem Harbor Marker
Unlike other major ports such as New York, Salem Harbor had no major river to link it with inland towns and markets. The harbor was shallow – too shallow to accommodate the much larger merchant vessels built after 1850. In addition, the many islands and submerged rocks at the approach to the harbor made navigating dangerous at night or in thick weather.
To guide ships safely within the harbor, the U.S. Government built the lighthouse on your right at the tip of the wharf in 1871. The original lamp was fueled by oil, and later by acetylene gas. By 1930 the lantern was electrified. Today the lighthouse is being preserved by the National Park Service.
Erected by U.S. Park Service.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Settlements & Settlers • Waterways & Vessels. In addition, it is included in the Lighthouses series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1850.
Location. Marker has been reported missing. It was located
this page online
Regionally, this marker was on Massachusetts’ North Shore, in Greater Boston, and in the Merrimack Valley. It was also in the American Northeast, in New England, and on the Eastern Seaboard. Globally, it was in the North Atlantic Region, North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it found 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 location: Friendship of Salem (approx. ¼ mile away); a different marker also named Friendship of Salem (approx. ¼ mile away); Pedrick Store House, 1770 (approx. ¼ mile away); Wharves in the Early 1800s
Photographed by Dale K. Benington, July 30, 2009
2. Salem Harbor Marker
View of historical marker on the Derby Wharf with the Derby Wharf light in the distant background.
Other markers no longer nearby. Salem Harbor (was here, next to this marker but has been permanently removed); To the Farthest Port (was about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line but has been confirmed missing); a different marker also named The Pedrick Store House (was approx. ¼ mile away but has been permanently removed); Central Wharf (was approx. 0.3 miles away but has been confirmed missing); Wharves in the Late 1800s (was approx. 0.3 miles away but has been replaced with another marker now near it); Salem Maritime National Historic Site (was approx. 0.3 miles away but has been confirmed missing); Derby Wharf (was approx. 0.3 miles away but has been confirmed missing); The Custom House (was approx. 0.3 miles away but has been replaced with another marker now near it).
More about this marker. This
Photographed by Dale K. Benington, July 30, 2009
3. Salem Harbor Marker
View of the waterfront at the Salem Maritime, National Historic Site, with the Derby Wharf situated on the left side of the picture.
Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on October 26, 2009, by Dale K. Benington of Toledo, Ohio. This page has been viewed 1,147 times since then and 24 times this year. Last updated on July 31, 2015, by J. Makali Bruton of Washington, District of Columbia. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on October 26, 2009, by Dale K. Benington of Toledo, Ohio. 3. submitted on October 27, 2009, by Dale K. Benington of Toledo, Ohio. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.
