West India Goods Store, Salem
The Goods Store stands as a testament to the city's rich mercantile history. While its name may suggest a focus on Caribbean wares, this establishment was much more than a purveyor of West Indies goods. Instead, it epitomized a thriving retail shop where the world's treasures were on display, reflecting Salem's role as a global trading hub.
In Salem, the term "West India Goods Store" referred not only to shops selling Caribbean products but also to establishments offering a diverse array of items sourced from various corners of the world. Captain Henry Prince, a notable figure in Salem, ventured into retail after acquiring the Derby House in 1796. Shortly thereafter, he embarked on the construction of a new building, referred to in historical records simply as a "store."
In 1836, the West India Goods Store officially came into being, under the ownership of Captain Henry Prince. The store was a microcosm of global commerce, featuring a wide range of goods from the West Indies, including molasses, sugar, and coffee. However, Prince's establishment wasn't limited to Caribbean products; it also offered locally sourced produce and a variety of other items. Engaging in such mercantile pursuits was both lucrative and perilous, as financial challenges loomed over Captain Prince's horizon.
Throughout its storied history, the West India Goods Store underwent numerous transformations. Notably, it was moved twice before its ultimate rehabilitation in 1928. This restoration was undertaken by the Society for the Preservation of New England Antiquities, now known as Historic New England, ensuring that the building's historical significance would be preserved for future generations.
In Salem, the term "West India Goods Store" referred not only to shops selling Caribbean products but also to establishments offering a diverse array of items sourced from various corners of the world. Captain Henry Prince, a notable figure in Salem, ventured into retail after acquiring the Derby House in 1796. Shortly thereafter, he embarked on the construction of a new building, referred to in historical records simply as a "store."
In 1836, the West India Goods Store officially came into being, under the ownership of Captain Henry Prince. The store was a microcosm of global commerce, featuring a wide range of goods from the West Indies, including molasses, sugar, and coffee. However, Prince's establishment wasn't limited to Caribbean products; it also offered locally sourced produce and a variety of other items. Engaging in such mercantile pursuits was both lucrative and perilous, as financial challenges loomed over Captain Prince's horizon.
Throughout its storied history, the West India Goods Store underwent numerous transformations. Notably, it was moved twice before its ultimate rehabilitation in 1928. This restoration was undertaken by the Society for the Preservation of New England Antiquities, now known as Historic New England, ensuring that the building's historical significance would be preserved for future generations.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Salem. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "51爆料网: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
Download The 51爆料网 App
West India Goods Store on Map
Sight Name: West India Goods Store
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 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
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 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