Custom House, Salem

51±¬ÁÏÍø

Custom House, Salem

Custom House, Salem

The Salem Custom House, a venerable institution with roots dating back to 1649, stands as an enduring testament to Salem's rich maritime history. This historical edifice, built in 1819, served as the focal point for collecting taxes on imported cargo during both the colonial era under British rule and the subsequent period following the establishment of the U.S. Customs Service in 1789. With its imposing architecture, the Custom House symbolized the enduring presence of the Federal Government in Salem and housed not only the offices of customs officers but also a warehouse known as the Public Stores, which played a pivotal role in safeguarding bonded and impounded cargo.

The architects tasked with designing the Salem Custom House understood the need for a structure that would assert the Federal Government's authority in the region. The resulting building boasts high ceilings, an elegant sweeping staircase, and exquisitely carved woodwork that collectively exude an aura of strength and stability. Throughout its use by the U.S. Customs Service into the 1930s, the Custom House accumulated furnishings that bear witness to the building's long and storied history.

In 1826, a wooden eagle took its perch atop the Custom House's roof, a symbol of national pride and prowess. Crafted by Salem artisan Joseph True, this iconic eagle adorned the building for nearly two centuries. In 2004, the original wooden eagle was carefully replaced with a fiberglass replica to preserve its legacy. Visitors to the Custom House today can witness the original wooden eagle on display within the building, a symbol of enduring tradition.

Among the many notable features of the Salem Custom House is the office of Nathaniel Hawthorne, the renowned American author. Hawthorne's three-year tenure in this historic building served as the catalyst for his masterpiece, "The Scarlet Letter." The Custom House contains exhibits that shed light on the tools of the Customs Service, the duties of customs inspectors, and the literary legacy of Nathaniel Hawthorne.

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Custom House on Map

Sight Name: Custom 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 Maritime National Historic Site Tour

Salem Maritime National Historic Site Tour

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'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 Introduction Walking Tour

Salem Introduction Walking Tour

While first-time visitors to Salem won't want to miss the city's plethora of witch-themed attractions – the Witch House and Salem Witch Trials Memorial are two of the most popular – there is more to this mysterious city than just witchcraft. Salem boasts everything from spectacular 17th-century architecture to tranquil beaches and world-class art museums. Check out Salem's...  view more

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