Salem in Essex County, Massachusetts — The American Northeast (New England)
Derby Wharf
Photographed by Dale K. Benington, July 30, 2009
1. Derby Wharf Marker
The wharf in front of you was Salems longest, and was once one of the busiest in the nation. During the War of Independence, American privateers sailed from here to prey on British ships on the high seas. After the war, fleets of trading vessels based here sailed to the Far East and other exotic ports, bringing wealth to Salem and its shipowners.
Although the wharf faces the U.S. Custom House behind you, it was not owned by the government. The wharf belonged to shipowner Elias Hasket Derby, who, with his father Richard, built the first 800 feet of it about 1770. In 1808 Derbys heirs completed a 1,300-foot extension. Cargoes were stored in spacious three-story warehouses attached to the wharf.
Today Derby Wharf is being preserved within Salem Maritime National Historic Site. The ships and the old warehouses are gone, but portions of the original wharf remain. A walkway beginning here leads ½ mile to the lighthouse at the tip of the wharf.
Erected by U.S. Park Service.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Landmarks • Waterways & Vessels. In addition, it is included in the Lighthouses series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1770.
Location.
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 and in New England. 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: A different marker also named Derby Wharf (here, next to this marker); a different marker also named The Custom House (a few steps from this marker); Wharves in the late 1800's (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named Derby House (within shouting distance of this marker); Home for Aged Women (within shouting distance of this marker); West India Goods Store (within shouting distance of this marker); The Hawkes House (within shouting distance of this marker); Public Stores (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Salem.
Other markers no longer nearby. The Custom House (was a few steps from this marker but has been replaced with another marker now near it); Privateer Warehouse (was within shouting distance of this marker but has been
Photographed by Dale K. Benington, July 30, 2009
2. Derby Wharf Marker
View of historical marker in the foreground and the walkway leading to Derby Wharf is in the background.
More about this marker. This marker has been replaced by another marker with the same name but different text.
Photographed by Dale K. Benington, July 30, 2009
3. Derby Wharf
View of Derby Wharf, looking south from the base of Derby Wharf.
Photographed by Dale K. Benington, July 30, 2009
4. Derby Wharf
View of the southern half of Derby Wharf and a view of the lighthouse at the tip of Derby Wharf.
Photographed by Dale K. Benington, July 30, 2009
5. Derby Wharf Lighthouse
View of the Derby Wharf lighthouse from the nearby seawall.
Photographed by Dale K. Benington, July 30, 2009
6. Derby Wharf Lighthouse
Close-up view of the Derby Wharf Lighthous
Credits. This page was last revised on October 8, 2020. It was originally submitted on October 28, 2009, by Dale K. Benington of Toledo, Ohio. This page has been viewed 1,008 times since then and 16 times this year. Last updated on July 31, 2015, by J. Makali Bruton of Washington, District of Columbia. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. submitted on October 28, 2009, by Dale K. Benington of Toledo, Ohio. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.
