Proctor’s Ledge

Grandiose in design, its construction began with the death of Elias Derby, one of America's first millionaires. After some squabbling over the inheritance, heir Nathaniel West completed the mansion in 1821. Four rooms from Elias' earlier home were moved to fashionable Chestnut Street to make up the core of the house. Purchased and restored in 1911 by Anna Phillips and her husband, they lived here until their deaths in 1955. Today the mansion is owned by Historic New England and showcases an eclectic collection of family heirlooms and historic technologies.

Built in 1664 by John Pickering, a carpenter from Coventry; this is the oldest house in Salem. It's also the oldest home in America continuously owned by the same family. For over 330 years, each new generation of Pickering would alter the home to suit the times and their changing needs. Ceiling heights were raised, extra wings were constructed, and plenty of gothic detailing added for good measure. It's a great place to spend an hour if you're interested in discovering the details of lives lived long ago.

One of the finest examples of Federal style building, Hamilton Hall was completed in 1807 by Samuel McIntire. Upon opening the townsfolk held many celebrations and banquets here, feting high status guests. That tradition continues today; hosting concerts, lectures, weddings, and other joyful events in the lives of Salem's residents. The hall is owned by a non-profit, and was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1970.

Built from 1727–1729 in the Georgian style, major restorations were done in 1894, and the handsome back garden was added in 1912. Three generations of Ropes called this mansion home, until it was given to a trust in 1907. The building has seen many renovations and restorations over its life, but generally maintains its original form. Today the mansion is open to the public and controlled by the Peabody Essex Museum.

The Witch House is the last extant building with direct ties to the 1692 Salem witch trials. An excellent example of 17th-century architecture, it was probably built sometime between 1620 and 1642. Bought by Judge Jonathan Corwin in 1675, he would go on to live here for over forty years. As a local magistrate and civic leader, Corwin was called upon to investigate the claims of diabolical activity when a surge of witchcraft accusations arose in and around Salem. Eventually, he would send 19 people to the gallows, all of whom maintained their innocence and refused to admit to witchcraft. No interrogations or trials were conducted within the Witch House, nor were any of the accused brought here. The house remained in the Corwin family until the 1940s. At this time the Witch House was moved about 35 ft to its current location and was restored to its 17th century origins. Today it basically looks as it would have in Corwin's time, although the gambrel roof was altered.

One of McIntire's earlier commissions, this home was built in the Georgian style for Jerathmiel Peirce and completed around 1784. It was later transformed by the architect into a Federal masterpiece, celebrating the marriage of daughter Sarah Peirce to George Nichols. The home has been owned by Peabody Essex Museum since 1917, and was declared a National Historic Landmark in 1968.