Peirce鈥揘ichols House, Salem
Tucked away in the historic city of Salem the Peirce-Nichols House stands as a testament to the genius of Samuel McIntire, one of the nation's first recognized master builders. This architectural gem, designated a National Historic Landmark in 1973, not only reflects the craftsmanship of its time but also serves as a window into the evolution of architectural styles in early America. As a house museum now owned by the Peabody Essex Museum, it welcomes visitors to explore its rich history and timeless design.
The story of the Peirce-Nichols House begins with Jerathmiel Peirce, who, in the late 18th century, transitioned from a leather dresser to a successful businessman. During the Revolutionary War, he and his partner, Aaron Waite, ventured into privateering with the schooner Greyhound, capturing British merchant vessels. Their partnership thrived, allowing them to acquire and build numerous ships that traversed global ports. In 1782, Peirce enlisted the services of Samuel McIntire to design and construct his dream home on a spacious lot in Salem. The house, completed around 1784, would become an enduring legacy.
The Peirce-Nichols House draws inspiration from the Builder's Treasury of Batty Langley, a book published in 1740. McIntire meticulously implemented these designs, resulting in late Georgian styling that defines much of the house. However, in 1801, an architectural transformation took place. In preparation for his daughter Sally's wedding to George Nichols, Peirce commissioned McIntire once again. This time, the east parlor underwent a stylistic makeover, embracing the lighter and more fashionable Federal styling popularized by architect Charles Bulfinch.
The story of the Peirce-Nichols House begins with Jerathmiel Peirce, who, in the late 18th century, transitioned from a leather dresser to a successful businessman. During the Revolutionary War, he and his partner, Aaron Waite, ventured into privateering with the schooner Greyhound, capturing British merchant vessels. Their partnership thrived, allowing them to acquire and build numerous ships that traversed global ports. In 1782, Peirce enlisted the services of Samuel McIntire to design and construct his dream home on a spacious lot in Salem. The house, completed around 1784, would become an enduring legacy.
The Peirce-Nichols House draws inspiration from the Builder's Treasury of Batty Langley, a book published in 1740. McIntire meticulously implemented these designs, resulting in late Georgian styling that defines much of the house. However, in 1801, an architectural transformation took place. In preparation for his daughter Sally's wedding to George Nichols, Peirce commissioned McIntire once again. This time, the east parlor underwent a stylistic makeover, embracing the lighter and more fashionable Federal styling popularized by architect Charles Bulfinch.
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Peirce鈥揘ichols House on Map
Sight Name: Peirce鈥揘ichols House
Sight Location: Salem, USA (See walking tours in Salem)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
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
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 Introduction Walking Tour
While first-time visitors to Salem won't want to miss the city's plethora of witch-themed attractions 鈥� the Witch House and Salem Witch Trials Memorial are two of the most popular 鈥� 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
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.8 Km or 1.7 Miles
Salem's Historical Homes Walking Tour
There鈥檚 no shortage of historic homes in Salem, considering that it鈥檚 one of the oldest cities in the United States. Even if you鈥檙e 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
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.8 Km or 1.1 Miles
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
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 0.4 Km or 0.2 Miles