1799 in Salem, Massachusetts

1799 was a pivotal year in the U. S. and Salem. The closing year of the 18th century, when the U. S. had achieved independence and nationhood, was the opening of a century of promise in expansion, trade, industry. It witnessed the deaths of George Washington at Mount Vernon and Elias Hasket Derby, Americas first millionaire, in Salem. Trade with India and China had brought enormous prosperity to Salem and aroused curiosity about the world beyond its harbor. In 1799 the East India Marine Society was founded to collect and exhibit exotica Salem mariners brought home. Salem was poised for growth and diversification. Join me on a private walking tour of the sites that Salem merchants, ship captains, and craftsmen knew in 1799. We will learn about changes in these years—refinement in architecture and lifestyle; cosmopolitanism from imported goods and ideas; religious diversity; great wealth from global trade and domestic manufacturing. We will see a community in flux, anticipating a promising future.

This is an outdoor walking tour. We will not enter any of the buildings, most of which are not open to the public. Derby Wharf (1762, 1806). The Friendship, original built at Enos Briggs Shipyard, Salem, 1797. West India Goods Store (c1799). Narbonne House (1675, 1730s, c1799). Washington Square (renamed 1802). Gateway arch (1805). Samuel McIntire, architect and carver. Crowninshield-Bentley house (c1730). East India Marine Hall (1825). U. S. Custom House (1805). First Baptist Church of Salem (1805-1806). Pierce-Nichols House (1782, 1801). Back Street or Federal Street (c1760). Cotting-Smith Assembly House (1782). Samuel Cook House and Fence (1802-1803). Great Street or Essex Street. Chestnut Street (1796, widened 1804). Phillips House (1824). Hamilton Hall (1805). Site of Elias Hasket and Elizabeth Crowninshield Derby House (1795-1799). Burial Point. Grave and gravestone of Samuel McIntire (1757-1811).