Bessie Monroe House, Salem

51±¬ÁÏÍø

Bessie Monroe House, Salem

Bessie Monroe House, Salem

The William Murray House is a living testament to the architectural evolution of the 17th and 18th centuries. This historic First Period house, comprised of two distinct sections, reveals the changing building methods and styles that shaped the region's heritage.

The William Murray House is not a singular entity but a harmonious marriage of two architectural periods. The westernmost section, dating back to around 1688, stands as the elder statesman of the house. It spans three window bays wide and a single room in depth, bearing the hallmark features of a bygone era.

In contrast, the eastern section arrived on the scene in the late 17th or early 18th century. Also boasting three bays in width and one room in depth, it represents a transition into a more modern architectural style.

Over the centuries, the house underwent a series of transformative changes. The western portion initially featured an overhanging section on the second floor. However, in the early 18th century, a more contemporary roof with a flatter pitch was installed, concealing the overhang by constructing a flush wall. This alteration reflects the evolving tastes and building techniques of the time.

For nearly a century, the two sections of the house remained under separate ownership, resulting in distinct staircases. One of these staircases boasts Second Period (mid-18th century) turned woodwork, reflecting the transition from one architectural era to another.

In 1780, the William Murray House underwent a meticulous restoration, masterminded by a skilled local woodworker. This restoration documented many of its First Period features while preserving original decorations, thus ensuring the house's continued legacy.

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Bessie Monroe House on Map

Sight Name: Bessie Monroe House
Sight Location: Salem, USA (See walking tours in Salem)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:

Walking Tours in Salem, Massachusetts

Create Your Own Walk in Salem

Create Your Own Walk in Salem

Creating your own self-guided walk in Salem is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Salem's Historical Homes Walking Tour

Salem's Historical Homes Walking Tour

There’s no shortage of historic homes in Salem, considering that it’s one of the oldest cities in the United States. Even if you’re not really into history, you can appreciate the architectural style of the times. Some of these historic houses are open to the public as museums while others are privately owned. ***PH***

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.8 Km or 1.1 Miles
Salem Maritime National Historic Site Tour

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The Salem Maritime National Historic Site is a National Historic Site consisting of 12 historic structures, one replica tall-ship, and about 9 acres (36,000 m2) of land along the waterfront of Salem Harbor in Salem, Massachusetts, United States. Salem Maritime is the first National Historic Site established in the United States (March 17, 1938).[1] It interprets the Triangle Trade during the...  view more

Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 0.4 Km or 0.2 Miles
Salem Introduction Walking Tour

Salem Introduction Walking Tour

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Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.8 Km or 1.7 Miles