Salem Harbor

Marinas near Salem Harbor

Introduction:

Salem and Salem Harbor are located on the northern Massachusetts coast about 15 miles north of Boston and 12 miles south of Gloucester. Salem is probably most famous for the Salem Witch Trials that took place here in 1692. Scores of people were blamed for causing an epidemic of sickness in Salem and all told, 150 people were put in prison and 19 were hanged.

Today, Salem is a bustling seaport, industrial center and yachting destination. along with its twin city sister of Beverly, the Salem area is dynamic and rich in both yachting and shoreside exploration opportunities. It's a great place to stop over and explore if you're cruising up the coast!

History:

During the winter of 1623-1624, a fishing settlement was established on Cape Ann by Englandâs Dorchester Company. After three years of struggle on rocky, stormy Cape Ann, a group of the settlers, led by Roger Conant, set out to establish a more permanent settlement. They found sheltered, fertile land at the mouth of the Naumkeag River. The new settlement, called Naumkeag, or comfort haven by the Native Americans, thrived on farming and fishing. In 1629 the settlement was renamed Salem for Shalom, the Hebrew word for peace.

In January of 1692, the daughter and niece of Reverend Samuel Parris of Salem Village became ill. William Griggs, the village doctor, was called in when they failed to improve. His diagnosis of bewitchment put into motion the forces that would ultimately result in the hanging deaths of nineteen men and women. In addition, one man was crushed to death; several others died in prison, and the lives of many were irrevocably changed.

In the eighteenth century, Salem developed into a major fishing, shipbuilding and maritime trade center. Thanks to its burgeoning codfish trade with the West Indies and Europe, the town grew and prospered. As Salem grew, so too did the power struggle between the colonies and England. In 1774, a Provincial Congress was organized in Salem and the political revolution began. Two months before the battles in Lexington and Concord, skirmishes broke out in Salem. Salem's fleet contributed mightily to the war effort, capturing or sinking 455 British vessels.

A shift in Salem’s redevelopment philosophy to preservation in the 1970s was one of the forces that helped stimulate Salem’s budding tourism industry. Tourism, along with health care and higher education, is one of the foundations of the current Salem economic base.

Information courtesy Salem Office of Tourism

Navigating the Water:

Use NOAA Charts 13274 and 13275.

The best approach to Salem Harbor is from the Atlantic Ocean through Salem Sound, and then south into Salem Harbor. From the Atlantic Ocean, pick up flashing green whistle buoy "1," just southeast of Newcomb Ledge, and then folow green cans "3," "5" and "7" to the northwest until you reach Bakers Island. At Bakers Island, find quick flashing green bell buoy "9," which marks Powers Rock, and then follow in green and red can "SE," flashing red buoy "10," flashing green buoy "11" and flashing red buoy "12" at John Ledge. There are no marks across Salem Sound to the west, but you can set your course for red nun "14" and flashing green buoy "13" south of Curtis Point.

South of Curtis Point, you will follow the lighted marks and turn to the south where Beverly Harbor splits off to the west. Flashing red buoy "16" marks the beginning of the Salem Channel, and a series of lighted and unlighted buoys will guide you farther in toward the Salem waterfront.

Most of the marinas are situated on the west side of Salem Harbor, and the southern portion of the harbor is filled with moorings (west of Folger Point).

Local Notices to Mariners:

Local Notices to Mariners are available online from the U.S. Coast Guard.

Restaurants and Provisions

Although Salem is a "water" city, there are many things to do away from the waterfront. restaurants abound, as do museums, historic sites and shopping. A "must see" on many people's list is the Salem Witch Museum, which features interactive learning exhibits on the Salem Witch Trials. For a detailed calendar of events, check out the "Helpful Links" section below.

Here are some of our favorite spots in Salem:

Notch Brewing Company Finz Seafood Turner's Seafood AJ King Bakery Howling Wolf Taqueria

Transportation:

The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) provides rail and bus service to and from Salem/Beverly via several routes that stop in multiple locations. Rail service is provided via the Newburyport/Rockport line with connecting service available at Boston's North Station. Logan International Airport has major air carrier service in Boston. For detailed transportation schedules and shuttle links to Logan International, check the "Helpful LInks" section below.

Helpful Links:

Guide to Salem

Salem Chamber of Commerce City of Salem

Salem Calendar of Events

Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority

Logan International Airport