Salem, Massachusetts, is a place filled with history, mystery, and maritime heritage. While many travelers come to Salem to explore its connection to the infamous witch trials, there’s another historic attraction that offers a glimpse into a different part of the city’s past: the Friendship of Salem. This ship is a replica of an original merchant vessel from the late 18th century, and it’s one of the highlights of the Salem Maritime National Historic Site. Let’s dive into the history, features, and reasons why you should consider visiting the Friendship when exploring Salem.
What is the Friendship of Salem?
The Friendship of Salem is a full-scale replica of a merchant ship that sailed in the late 1700s. The original ship, known simply as the Friendship, was built in Salem in 1797. It played an essential role in trade between the United States and ports around the world. The replica we see today was constructed in 1996 and serves as an educational exhibit to teach visitors about the ship’s role in trade, life at sea, and early American history.
The Friendship was a three-masted, square-rigged vessel, meaning it had three large masts and sails that were rigged horizontally. This design made it ideal for long voyages, which it frequently undertook. Ships like the Friendship would typically carry cargo such as spices, tea, silks, and other goods, trading them across continents from Europe to Asia.
Brief History of the Original Friendship
The original Friendship was built and launched in 1797 by Salem shipbuilder Enos Briggs. This was during the “Golden Age of Sail,” when Salem was a hub for shipping and international trade. The Friendship was one of several ships that helped Salem become a wealthy and influential port. Over its short career, the Friendship made fifteen voyages, visiting countries such as China, India, and Indonesia.
These voyages were lengthy and dangerous, often taking months to complete. The Friendship and its crew had to brave rough seas, unpredictable weather, and the threat of piracy. Unfortunately, the Friendship’s voyages came to an end in 1812 during the War of 1812 between the United States and Britain. The ship was captured by the British Navy and never returned to Salem.
Why Was the Replica Built?
In 1996, the National Park Service decided to build a replica of the Friendship to preserve Salem’s maritime history and give visitors a hands-on way to learn about early American trade and sea life. The replica was constructed using traditional methods as much as possible, but with some modern modifications to meet safety standards.
The replica Friendship now rests at Derby Wharf in Salem, close to the spot where the original would have docked. It’s part of the Salem Maritime National Historic Site, the first National Historic Site established in the United States in 1938. This replica allows visitors to imagine what life on a merchant vessel was like more than 200 years ago and understand Salem’s role in the country’s maritime history.
Visiting the Friendship of Salem
Visiting the Friendship of Salem is a unique experience. Located in the historic heart of Salem at Derby Wharf, it’s part of the Salem Maritime National Historic Site. Here’s what you can expect when you visit:
Exploring the Ship
Visitors are welcome to walk around the deck of the Friendship when it’s open to the public. Park rangers and volunteers often provide tours and talk about the different parts of the ship, from the captain’s quarters to the galley where the crew’s meals were prepared. Exploring the Friendship can feel like stepping back in time as you stand on the deck where sailors once worked and imagine the ship filled with exotic goods from around the world.
Learning About Maritime Life
The Park Service offers interpretive programs that give insight into maritime life in the late 18th and early 19th centuries. This includes details about what the crew ate, how they spent their time, and the challenges they faced while traveling long distances. Visitors can also see how cargo was stored and learn about the different jobs crew members held on board.
Events and Reenactments
The Friendship hosts occasional events and reenactments that are educational and fun for the whole family. These events may include demonstrations of 18th-century navigation techniques, sail handling, and other maritime skills. Sometimes, the crew dresses in historical costumes, giving visitors a realistic view of what life looked like on the seas centuries ago.
The Salem Maritime National Historic Site: More Than Just a Ship
The Friendship is just one part of the Salem Maritime National Historic Site, a must-visit for anyone interested in American history. Here are some other key features of the site:
Custom House
- Near the Friendship, the Custom House is where taxes were collected on goods being imported and exported. Nathaniel Hawthorne, the famous author of The Scarlet Letter, once worked here.
Derby Wharf
- This historic wharf offers great views of the harbor and is a popular place to walk, especially around sunset.
Narbonne House
- One of the oldest homes in Salem, the Narbonne House dates back to 1675. It gives insight into domestic life in colonial America.
The site also includes several other historic buildings, interpretive exhibits, and a visitor center, making it a well-rounded destination for history buffs.
Fun Facts About the Friendship of Salem
Symbol of Peace
- Ships like the Friendship were often seen as symbols of peace, as they represented commerce and diplomacy rather than warfare.
Travel Distance
- During its career, the original Friendship likely traveled more than 40,000 miles!
International Crew
- The crew on the Friendship was international, often made up of sailors from different countries who spoke different languages.
Replica Construction
- The replica was built using many of the same techniques as the original. However, modern materials were added to help the ship comply with today’s safety regulations.
Why Visit the Friendship of Salem?
Visiting the Friendship of Salem gives travelers a chance to connect with the early days of American trade and commerce. While Salem is known for its witch trial history, the Friendship tells a different story about the city’s past, focusing on its role in shaping early American trade. It’s educational for both adults and children, making it a great spot for families and history enthusiasts alike.
Tips for Planning Your Visit
Here are a few tips to help you make the most of your visit to the Friendship of Salem:
Check Availability
- The Friendship isn’t always open to visitors due to maintenance and seasonal closures, so check the Salem Maritime National Historic Site’s website before you go.
Wear Comfortable Shoes
- You’ll be walking on the deck of a ship, which can be uneven and slippery, especially if it’s raining. Good walking shoes will help you navigate the historic site comfortably.
Explore Nearby Attractions
- Salem has many other historic sites, museums, and attractions, so plan to spend a day or two exploring the city.
Bring a Camera
- The Friendship and the surrounding historic area are picturesque, especially with the waterfront views from Derby Wharf.
How to Get There
The Friendship of Salem is located in the heart of Salem, Massachusetts, at the Salem Maritime National Historic Site. Salem is easily accessible by car, train, or ferry from Boston, which is about 16 miles away. During peak tourist season, Salem can get crowded, so consider visiting during the early morning or later in the afternoon for a quieter experience.
Final Thoughts
visiting the Friendship of Salem is a great way to step back in time and experience a unique part of American history. Not only will you get to explore a real-life replica of a historic ship, but you’ll also learn about the brave sailors who traveled across oceans, the important goods they traded, and how Salem played a role in shaping early American commerce. Whether you’re interested in history, love being near the water, or just want a fun day exploring Salem, the Friendship has something for everyone. So next time you’re in Salem, make sure to check it out and imagine what life might have been like on the high seas over 200 years ago!
Reviews of the Friendship of Salem
travelinfamsd
- “One of the main attractions of this historical site is the replica shipping vessel called The Friendship of Salem. We were told the ship has just recently returned and was under repairs but we were able to still board the vessel and get a free tour by the NPS volunteers working on board. Another FREE attraction – which is few and far between in Salem – that was educational and interesting. Even though her sails were removed for repair, it was still worth visiting.”
Jenny H
- “The area along the wharf is beautiful. The Custom House interpreter connected Hawthorne’s stint working there with contemporary times. The walk to the light was easy and the fire back towards town was lovely. The visitor’s center is back towards town a few blocks, so the restrooms and water filling stations near the W&P NPS Store were much appreciated.”
sjsk
- “This is very informative and includes the customs house and ship as well as a few other building. The ship is fun and the ranger gave a good talk too.”
Frequently Asked Questions About the Friendship of Salem
Is the Friendship of Salem the exact same size as the original ship?
- Yes! The Friendship of Salem replica was built to be the same size as the original ship from 1797. It’s about 171 feet long (as long as six school buses), with three tall masts that rise high above the deck. The goal was to make the replica as close as possible to the original design, allowing people to experience its real size.
How many crew members would work on the Friendship during a voyage?
- On a typical voyage, the original Friendship had a crew of about 12 to 15 men. Each crew member had a specific job, like steering, setting the sails, cooking, or keeping the ship clean. They had to work together closely to keep the ship running smoothly during long trips across the ocean.
What kinds of things did the Friendship trade and bring back to Salem?
- The Friendship carried many valuable items that were hard to find in America at that time. On its trips to places like China, India, and Java (now part of Indonesia), it brought back goods like tea, coffee, spices, sugar, silk, and porcelain. These items were sold in America, and the profits helped Salem grow into an important port city.
How long did it take to build the replica Friendship of Salem?
- The replica Friendship took about five years to build, from 1991 to 1996. It was constructed using both traditional shipbuilding techniques from the 1700s and modern safety features. This careful process ensured that the ship looked authentic and was also safe for today’s visitors.
Has the replica Friendship of Salem ever sailed on the open ocean?
- Yes! The replica Friendship is actually seaworthy, meaning it’s safe to sail on the ocean. Although it usually stays docked in Salem, it has sailed to nearby ports for special events and historical reenactments. However, it requires a lot of maintenance to keep it in good shape for both sailing and for people to visit safely.
Photos of the Friendship of Salem
References
- National Park Service. “Salem Maritime National Historic Site.” nps.gov, U.S. Department of the Interior, 2023.
- Salem Maritime National Historic Site. “The Friendship of Salem.” salem.org, 2023.
- “Friendship of Salem.” The History and Construction of the Replica Ship. The Essex Shipbuilding Museum, essexshipbuildingmuseum.org, 2023.