Downtown Salem District, Historic district in Salem, Massachusetts.
Downtown Salem stretches between Church, Central, New Derby, and Washington Streets, displaying buildings in Federal, Gothic Revival, and Italianate styles from different periods. The district shows a varied collection of structures reflecting different construction methods and architectural choices across generations.
The district was first added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1972, centered around the Old Town Hall, and expanded in 1983 to cover a larger area. The expansion acknowledged the broader historical importance of the entire neighborhood for Salem's development.
Salem City Hall at 93 Washington Street has served as the municipal center since 1837, shaping how the community gathers and conducts public life. Its role as a working government building makes it a living part of daily local activity rather than just a historic relic.
Essex Street has been a pedestrian mall since 1976, restricting vehicle traffic to only delivery vehicles, making walking through the area straightforward. This arrangement makes the district safe and comfortable for exploring on foot without worrying about traffic.
The Joshua Ward House from 1784 stands in the district and carries much local lore, though the actual historical record reveals different details than popular stories suggest. The Old Town Hall from 1816 houses the Salem Museum on its first floor, displaying collections related to the town's history.
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