Massachusetts, Essex County, Salem
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The grassy strip of land extending into the harbor in front of you was once a busy commercial wharf. In the late 1700’s and early 1800s, trade goods from around the world were loaded, unloaded and stored here.
Build in 1784, Central Wharf was purchased in 1791 by ship owner Simon Forrester and extended to a length of 795 feet---the fourth longest in Salem. On the foundation in front of you, Forrester built a fine brick warehouse. From his home across the street behind you, Forrester could survey the source of his wealth---the ships and warehouses that lined the wharf.
The grassy strip of land extending into the harbor in front of you was once a busy commercial wharf. In the late 1700’s and early 1800s, trade goods from around the world were loaded, unloaded and stored here.
Build in 1784, Central Wharf was purchased in 1791 by ship owner Simon Forrester and extended to a length of 795 feet---the fourth longest in Salem. On the foundation in front of you, Forrester built a fine brick warehouse. From his home across the street behind you, Forrester could survey the source of his wealth---the ships and warehouses that lined the wharf.
Through the years the wharf has seen many uses. In the late 1800s and early 1900s, flour, grain, and coal were loaded here. From 1947 to 1973 the U.S. Navy operated a Reserve Training Center on this site. Today the historic remains of Central Wharf are preserved within Salem Maritime National Historic Site.
(Industry & Commerce • Waterways & Vessels) Includes location, directions, 3 photos, GPS coordinates, map.
