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Historic Overview of Salem Walking Tour

4.6

Salem, US

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Discover the true birthplace of the United States of America with the Historic Overview of Salem Walking Tour. Dive into over four centuries of Salem's remarkable history, from its founding in 1626 to its position as a thriving 21st century city. While the witch trials made Salem infamous, there is so much more to explore. Uncover Salem's critical role in the American Revolution, its leadership during the great Age of Sail, and learn about the many important and famous people who have called Salem home. This 90-minute tour covers it all, from the 1692 Witchcraft Trials to revolutionary history, inventors, famous visitors, and even TV and movies shot in Salem. Don't miss your chance to experience the history that shaped the United States, book your tour today.

About this experience

Free Cancellation For a full refund cancel at least before the start of your booking
1 hours 30 minutes
Suitable for 1-15 Participants
Private Tour, Small Group Tour
Guided Experience

Highlights

Explore over four centuries of Salem's remarkable history
Learn about the town's fascinating past and its illustrious founding
Discover the critical role of Salem in the American Revolution
Experience the harrowing tales of the Salem Witch Trials
Learn about the famous people who've called Salem home

Included

Guide uses an amplifier so everyone can hear the salem history
90 minute historic salem walking tour
Local and professional guide
Hear tales of maritime and revolutionary significance.
We visit locations that have compelling history unknown to many locals

Not included

Gratuities
Hotel pick-up/drop-off
No food and drink offered, but snacks available for purchase

More about this experience

Introduction

Step back in time and immerse yourself in the captivating history of Salem, the true birthplace of the United States of America. Join the best history tour in the city and uncover over four centuries of fascinating stories that shaped this remarkable destination. From its illustrious founding in 1626 to its thriving present, Salem has played a critical role in American history and is a city you cannot miss on your travels. Beyond the infamous witch trials, this 90-minute walking tour will take you on a journey through the American Revolution, the great Age of Sail, and introduce you to the many important and famous individuals who have called Salem home. Prepare to be captivated by the tales of inventors, revolutionary heroes, and even the filming locations of famous TV shows and movies. Salem is a place that has left an indelible mark on the United States, and this tour will reveal why it is such a significant and cherished part of American heritage.

What to expect?

On this tour, you can expect to delve deep into Salem's compelling history over the course of 90 minutes. Meet your knowledgeable guide at the downtown pedestrian walkway, conveniently located at the corner of Essex and Central Streets. Look out for the purple sign next to Emporium 32. Your journey through time will begin with an exploration of Salem's founding and its subsequent evolution into a thriving 21st-century city. Discover the truth behind the infamous witch trials and learn about Salem's critical role in the American Revolution. You'll also uncover the secrets of the great Age of Sail and hear captivating stories about the inventors, famous visitors, and cultural significance of this extraordinary city. This tour provides a comprehensive overview of Salem's historic past, ensuring you leave with a newfound appreciation for this unique destination.

Who is this for?

This history tour is for anyone who seeks a deeper understanding of the United States' rich past and how Salem played a significant role in shaping it. History buffs will be enamored by the detailed narratives and lesser-known stories shared throughout the tour. With a captivating blend of fascinating historical events and intriguing personalities, this tour will captivate curious minds of all ages. Whether you are a solo traveler, a couple on a romantic getaway, or a family seeking an educational experience, everyone is welcome to join and explore Salem's remarkable history. This tour is perfect for those with a curious spirit and a desire to explore the hidden gems of America's heritage.

Why book this?

Book this historic overview walking tour and unlock the secrets of Salem's incredible past. Unlike any other city in the United States, Salem is the birthplace of a nation and boasts a rich tapestry of stories and legacies waiting to be discovered. This tour stands out from the rest by offering a comprehensive and immersive experience, packed with little-known facts, intriguing anecdotes, and expertly crafted storytelling. Your guide, with their extensive knowledge and passion for history, will guide you through the key chapters of Salem's past, bringing each era to life in a captivating way. By the end of the tour, you'll have gained a deep appreciation for the pivotal role Salem played in shaping the United States, and the impact it continues to have today.

Good to know

During this 90-minute walking tour, comfortable footwear is highly recommended as you'll be covering substantial ground through the historic streets of Salem. The meeting point is located at the downtown pedestrian walkway, at the corner of Essex and Central Streets. Look for the purple sign next to Emporium 32. The tour concludes in the downtown Salem area, and your knowledgeable guide will be happy to provide directions or assist you with any further inquiries. Please note that the tour may operate in various weather conditions, so it is advisable to dress accordingly and bring any necessary items such as umbrellas or sunscreen. Prepare to be immersed in Salem's captivating history and uncover the fascinating stories that lie within this remarkable city.

Reviews

Guests who have embarked on this historic overview walking tour of Salem have been enthralled by the immersive experience and the depth of historical knowledge shared by their guides. They commend the skilled storytelling ability of the guides, who bring the city's past to life in a vivid way. Many reviewers highlight the tour's ability to seamlessly blend the well-known witch trials with the lesser-known stories of Salem's role in the American Revolution and the great Age of Sail. Visitors appreciate the comprehensive perspective they gained from this tour, leaving them with a newfound appreciation for Salem's significance in American history. Overall, guests highly recommend this tour to anyone with an interest in delving deeper into the captivating past of the United States and immersing themselves in the unique allure of Salem.

About this product

How long before the event do I need to book?

You can book at any time before the event

Vouchers accepted in the following formats

Mobile

Meeting point

We are part of the pedestrian walkway downtown at the corner of Essex and Central Streets. We are next to Emporium 32 and across from the New England Dog Biscuit Company. Look for our purple sign.

8 Central St, 8 Central St, Salem, MA 01970 , United States, US

End point

Return Location: Returns to downtown Salem area. Tour Guide can help direct you to where you want to go.

Salem, Massachusetts , United States, US

Your Itinerary

Salem Historical Tours & Haunted Footsteps Ghost Tour

Discover why Salem is the true birthplace of the United States of America with the best history tour in the city. Explore over four centuries of Salem’s remarkable history from its illustrious founding in 1626, to its place as a thriving 21st Century city. The witch trials made Salem infamous, but there’s so much more. Explore Salem’s critical role in the American Revolution, how it led the great Age of Sail, and all about the many important and famous people who’ve called Salem home. The United States just wouldn’t be the same without Salem. The guide will go to as many locations as possible.

Red's Sandwich Shop

Salem has plenty of revolutionary history. You'll visit the location where local revolutionaries met to discuss plans for a potential war with England.

Old Burying Point Cemetery

Visit the oldest cemetery in Salem and one of the oldest in the country. Dating back to 1637, the cemetery is the resting place of many of the Puritans, including judges John Hathorne and Bartholomew Gedney, Nathaniel Mather, Samuel McIntire, Simon Forrester, Richard Derby and more

Salem Witch Trials Memorial

Visit the Salem Witchcraft Trials memorial dedicated to the 20 people executed during the hysteria in 1692. THe memorial has a bench for each person that includes name, date of execution and form of execution. The memorial has a lot of symbolism.

Turner's Seafood at Lyceum Hall -Salem

Lyceum Hall, home to Turner's Seafood, has significance to the witchcraft trials and additional history. Bridget Bishop, the first woman executed for witchcraft in 1692, lived on the grounds. In 1877, Alexander Graham Bell performed the first public demonstration of the telephone here.

Salem Old Town Hall

We will discuss Salem's incredible maritime history that began right after the American Revolution. From 1790-1812, Salem was the richest port in the country. Elias Haskett Derby became America's first millionaire in 1793. Portions of Hocus Pocus were filmed at the site as well. And Harry Houdini was put in the jail across the street. He wasn't under arrest, but the police chief wanted to see if Harry could break out of the new jail cell.

The Merchant

Hear a story about George Corwin, the high sheriff of the 1692 Witchcraft Trials, who lived on the grounds where the building now sits. In addition, George Washington visited Salem and stayed in a room in the hotel that is today called the Washington Room. And Amelia Earhart taught English in the Salem Commercial School just one block away.

Rockafellas Restaurant

Rockafellas is in a building that was the fourth location of the first church. The second location was there too. In addition, the Town House Square building was on that spot and that has revolutionary history. Massachusetts was basically declared a state on those grounds. A local congress of representatives met there before going to Ipswich, Concord and finally the continental congress in Philadelphia.

Bewitched Sculpture

Samantha Stevens of the TV Show Bewitched is in Lappin Park. A handful of episodes of the show were shot here in Salem. The best part is that her statue sits on land that was owned by the hanging Judge John Hathorne. How ironic that a witch sits on his former property.

Salem YMCA

Before the YMCA was here, Mrs. Brown had a home here with a famous border. That was Alexander Graham Bell. He lived at the home, educated her grandson and then would take the train to Boston to teach at Boston University. He also had an attic laboratory where he worked on the telephone.

The Witch House at Salem

The Witch House is the home of Judge Jonathan Corwin. It was built in the 1660s and Corwin bought it in 1675. No witches lived here but it is the last home in Salem with direct ties to the 1692 Witchcraft Trials.

Wesley United Methodist Church

Leslie's Retreat happened here at the North Bridge as 140 redcoats led by Colonel Leslie tried to cross the river to take weapons and cannons on the other side. Several colonists stopped them by pulling up the draw bridge. No shots were fired, but the British left empty handed. This preceded Lexington and Concord by two months.

Additional information

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Comfortable walking shoes are recommended
Parking available in garages on New Liberty, Bridge, and Congress Streets
Parking available in lots at Church Street, Front Street, and Klopp Alley. Metered parking near us. Use Passport Smart Phone App for meters. Bus parking available on New Derby Street and Hawthorne Boulevard.
Tour departs at 12 pm. Check in 15-20 minutes before your tour time at Salem Historical Tours office, located at 8 Central Street
Traffic and parking can be very difficult and October is much worse with "LA Level" traffic.
Our public walking tours can pose challenges for participants with mobility and accessibility concerns. Tours are 90 minutes long and about one mile in length. Each participant must be able to complete the one-mile tour within 90 minutes, providing for frequent stops to view sites and for information from the tour guide. As Salem is a historical city, there are narrow and uneven sidewalks, bricks, cobblestones, and stairs. During events and festivals (and particularly October), with crowds and street vendors, the streets can become difficult to navigate.

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2024-12-28 13:27