National Register of Historic Places listings in Salem, Massachusetts facts for kids
Welcome to Salem, Massachusetts! This historic city is famous for many things, including its rich past. Did you know that many of its old buildings and areas are so important that they are officially recognized? This article will tell you about some of these special places listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It's like a hall of fame for buildings and neighborhoods!
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What is the National Register of Historic Places?
The National Register of Historic Places is a list kept by the United States government. It includes buildings, sites, and districts that are important in American history, architecture, archaeology, engineering, or culture. When a place is on this list, it means it's worth protecting and celebrating.
Some places are even more special and are called National Historic Landmarks. These are the very best examples of America's historic and cultural heritage. Think of them as the "superstars" of historic places!
Salem is a really important city for history. It has 46 places listed on the National Register. Eight of these are National Historic Landmarks! In fact, the whole area around Salem, called Essex County, has over 450 historic places listed. That's a lot of history to explore!
Exploring Salem's Historic Treasures
Let's take a look at some of the amazing historic places you can find in Salem. From old houses to lighthouses, each one tells a unique story about the past.
Famous Historic Homes
Salem is full of beautiful old houses, many of which have incredible stories.
Nathaniel Bowditch House
The Nathaniel Bowditch House on North Street is a National Historic Landmark. Nathaniel Bowditch was a famous mathematician and sailor. He wrote a very important book about navigation that helped sailors around the world.
Gardiner-Pingree House
The Gardiner-Pingree House at 128 Essex Street is another National Historic Landmark. This house is a great example of Federal-style architecture. It was built in 1804 and shows how wealthy families lived back then.
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House of the Seven Gables
You might have heard of the House of the Seven Gables from the famous book! This historic district at 54 Turner Street is a National Historic Landmark. It includes the actual house that inspired Nathaniel Hawthorne's novel. It's a fun place to visit and learn about life in the 17th century.
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Peirce-Nichols House
The Peirce-Nichols House at 80 Federal Street is a National Historic Landmark. Built in 1782, it's known for its amazing architecture and beautiful interior design. It shows the fancy style of homes from that time.
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John Ward House
The John Ward House at 132 Essex Street is a National Historic Landmark. It was built way back in 1684! This makes it one of the oldest surviving houses in Salem. It gives us a peek into what homes looked like during the early colonial period.
Lighthouses and Waterfronts
Salem's history is closely tied to the sea. Lighthouses and waterfront areas played a huge role in its past as a busy port.
Baker's Island Light Station
East of Salem, on Baker's Island, you'll find the Baker's Island Light Station. This lighthouse helped guide ships safely into Salem Harbor for many years. Lighthouses are important symbols of maritime history.
Derby Wharf Light Station
The Derby Wharf Light Station is located right on Derby Wharf. This smaller lighthouse marked the end of the long wharf, helping ships navigate the busy harbor. It's part of the Salem Maritime National Historic Site.
Salem Maritime National Historic Site
The Salem Maritime National Historic Site on Derby Street is a National Historic Landmark District. This area protects Salem's historic waterfront, including old wharves, warehouses, and the Custom House. It reminds us of Salem's days as a major international trading port.
Historic Districts to Explore
Beyond individual buildings, several entire neighborhoods in Salem are recognized for their historic importance.
Chestnut Street District
The Chestnut Street District, roughly bounded by Broad, Flint, Federal, and Summer Streets, is a beautiful historic area. It's famous for its grand Federal-style mansions built by wealthy merchants in the early 1800s. Walking down this street feels like stepping back in time!
Downtown Salem District
The Downtown Salem District includes areas like Derby Square and parts of Essex and Washington Streets. This district is the heart of Salem's historic commercial center. It has many old buildings that were once shops, offices, and public spaces.
Salem Common Historic District
The Salem Common Historic District surrounds the large park known as Salem Common. This area is bounded by St. Peter's, Bridge, and Derby Streets. The Common has been a public space for centuries and is surrounded by historic homes and buildings.
Salem Willows Historic District
The Salem Willows Historic District includes areas like Columbus, Bay View, Beach, and Fort Avenues. This district is known for its historic amusement park and seaside recreation area. It's a fun place that has been enjoyed by families for generations.
Other Notable Historic Places
Salem has many other interesting historic buildings and sites.
City Hall
Salem's City Hall at 93 Washington Street is a historic building. It has served as the center of local government for many years.
Peabody Museum of Salem
The Peabody Museum of Salem (now part of the Peabody Essex Museum) at 161 Essex Street is a National Historic Landmark. This museum has amazing collections from around the world, especially from Salem's maritime trade history. The East India Marine Hall, a key part of the museum, is specifically listed.
Greenlawn Cemetery
Greenlawn Cemetery at 57 Orne Street is also on the National Register. Cemeteries can be historic places too, often showing important art, landscaping, and telling stories about the people who lived in the past.
Images for kids
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Baker's Island Light Station
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Nathaniel Bowditch House
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Bowker Place
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Bridge Street Neck Historic District
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Charter Street Historic District
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Chestnut Street District
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Rufus Choate House
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City Hall
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Crombie Street District
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Derby Waterfront District
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Derby Wharf Light Station
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Downtown Salem District
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Essex Institute Historic District
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Federal Street District
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Joseph Fenno House
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First Universalist Church
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Fort Lee
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Fort Pickering
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Gardiner-Pingree House
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Gedney and Cox Houses
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Greenlawn Cemetery
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Hamilton Hall
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House of the Seven Gables
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Bessie Monroe House
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William Murray House
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North Street Fire Station
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Peabody Museum of Salem
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John P. Peabody House
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Peirce-Nichols House
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Point Neighborhood Historic District
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St. Nicholas Orthodox Church and Rectory
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Salem Common Historic District
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Salem Diner
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Salem Laundry
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Salem Maritime National Historic Site
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Salem Willows Historic District
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Shepard Block
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Joseph Story House
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US Post Office-Salem Main
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John Ward House
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Joshua Ward House
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Wesley Methodist Church
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West Cogswell House
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Winter Island
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Thomas March Woodbridge House
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YMCA
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