Charter Street Historic District

The Charter Street Historic District is a historic area in Salem that contains three main structures: the Pickman House, the Grimshawe House, and the Charter Street Cemetery along Charter Street. The district features a mix of buildings from different periods alongside a burial ground from Salem's earliest days.

The Pickman House, built in 1664, stands as Salem's oldest surviving building and anchors the district's history. The area gained recognition on the National Register of Historic Places in 1975, honoring its role in early American settlement.

The Grimshawe House holds literary significance as the place where writer Nathaniel Hawthorne met Sophia Peabody, who would become his wife and inspire his works. The encounter shaped his creative vision and remains a meaningful moment in the location's role in American letters.

The Charter Street Cemetery, one of the area's oldest burial grounds, opens to visitors during daylight hours and allows exploration of early settlers' monuments. The district is best explored on foot since the buildings and cemetery grounds sit close together and offer free access.

Richard More, the only Mayflower passenger with a verified burial location, is buried in the Charter Street Cemetery among other early community members. His grave shares the ground with John Hathorne, the magistrate who presided over Salem Witch Trials proceedings.

Location: Salem

GPS coordinates: 42.52028,-70.89278

Latest update: December 12, 2025 09:02