Salem Harbor
Posted by: 
NorStar
N 42° 31.028 W 070° 53.056
19T E 345216 N 4708915
This sign, part of a series of signs about how prosperous Salem was as a port despite its shortcomings.
Waymark Code: WM27D8
Location: Massachusetts, United States
Date Posted: 09/17/2007
Views: 38
The sign says:
"If Salem was once a prosperous world seaport, it was not due to the geography of the harbor, but to the enterprise of her seamen, tradesmen, and merchants.
"Unlike other major ports such as New York, Salem Harbor had no major river to link it with inland towns and markets. The harbor was shallow - too shallow to accommodate the much larger merchant vessels built after 1850. In addition, the many islands and submerged rocks at the approach to the harbor made navigating dangerous at night or in thick weather.
"To guide ships safely within the harbor, the U.S. Government built the lighthouse on your right at the tip of the wharf in 1871. The original lamp was fueled by oil, and later by acetylene gas. By 1930, the lantern was electrified. Today the lighthouse is being preserved by the National Park Service.
"Presented in Honor of the U.S. Customs Service Bicentennial
"July 14, 1988 by Commissioner William von Raab."
The web site is the official web site for the Salem Maritime National Historic Site.
Agency Responsible for Placement: Other (Place below)
Agency Responsible for Placement (if not in list above): U.S. Department of the Treasury, U.S. Customs Service
Year Placed: 1988
County: Essex
City/Town Name: Salem
Relevant Web Site: [Web Link]
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