Salem in Essex County, Massachusetts — The American Northeast (New England)
Privateer Warehouse
Salem Maritime National Historical Site
Although the “New House,” as Derby called it, was nearly completed in 1782, the Derby’s never moved in, preferring a mansion in uptown Salem away from the waterfront. Until Derby’s death in 1799, he used the New House as a warehouse. Among the goods stored here undoubtedly, were prizes captured from the British by Derby’s privateers.
When Derby’s heirs sold the “warehouse” in 1800, 1/3 of the original structure was dismantled. The following year Benjamin Hawkes, a Salem shipbuilder, remodeled it to resemble its present appearance. Today it’s known as the “Hawkes House” and is being preserved as a part of the Salem Maritime National Historic Site. The house is not open to the public.
----(upper right hand corner of marker) “On this land in 1780 Mr. Derby raised a Great House which he never finished…It has now stood 20 years as a monument of folly.” The Diary of William Bentley, D.D.-September 20, 1800.
----(below the photo of the ship) Derby’s privateers pursued and captured British merchant ships on the high seas during the War of Independence. Portions of the cargo from the 144 prizes they captured between 1777 an 1782 may have been stored here in Derby’s spacious “New House.” Few men at that time were wealthy enough to build a new mansion and use it as a warehouse.
Erected by National Park Service.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Colonial Era • Industry & Commerce. A significant historical year for this entry is 1762.
Location. Marker has been reported permanently removed. It was located near 42° 31.295′ N, 70° 53.211′ 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.
We have been informed that this sign or monument is no longer there and will not be replaced. This page is an archival view of what was.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this location. Derby House (a few steps from this marker); The Hawkes House (a few steps from this marker); The Custom House (within shouting distance of this marker); Derby Wharf (within shouting distance of this marker); West India Goods Store (within shouting distance of this marker); Custom House Place (within shouting distance of this marker); Home for Aged Women (within shouting distance of this marker); Wharves in the late 1800's (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Salem.
Credits. This page was last revised on April 21, 2023. It was originally submitted on January 11, 2013, by Don Morfe of Baltimore, Maryland. This page has been viewed 396 times since then and 5 times this year. Last updated on April 18, 2023, by Craig Doda of Napoleon, Ohio. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on January 11, 2013, by Don Morfe of Baltimore, Maryland. • J. Makali Bruton was the editor who published this page.