Take Only Pictures, Leave Only Footprints

Winter Island Maritime Park
50 Winter Island Road
Salem, MA 01970
(978) 745-9430
Email:  WinterIsland@cove.com

I camped here during a week in May of 1999 and again in May of 2001.  The camping area is run by the City of Salem's Park and Recreation Department.  While it's too far to walk into the center of Salem, it's a comfortable drive or bike ride and is also on the Trolley Tour.  

History

Fishing Village - Established by Roger Conant in 1626.  Early settlers used the Island much like the Naumkeag Indians had used it before them.

Commercial Fishing Port - Beginning in the 1640's.  At first fishing was for survival.  It then grew to be a major commercial activity at the Port of Salem until the 1730's.

Ship Building - Beginning in the 1640's.  At first "shallops" were crafted for shoreline fishing, and later up to 100' crafts were constructed to support the ever growing commercial fishing fleet.

Salem Inn c. 1642 - Salem's first public accommodation serving the housing needs of traveling merchants and visiting crews.

Derby Wharf - One of ten wharves that once jutted out from the Island into Winter Harbor (Cat Cove).  The Derby Family represents one of the most successful merchants of Salem's maritime heritage.

Powder House c. 1780 - The shell of the structure is all that remains.  It was used to store explosives, black powder, and later by fishermen as bait and storage shack.  (Ref. Atlas Powder Co.)

Frigate U.S.S. Essex, 1799 - Constructed and launched at Winter Island.  The Essex served General George Washington in our new U.S. Navy.  It was a most successful fighting ship.

Fort Pickering, 1799 - Since the 1640's this site served as a fortification.  It was called Fort William and later Fort Ann.  It was renamed for Timothy Pickering of Salem, who served with President George Washington as Secretary of State.

Fort Pickering Light, 1875-1897 - A typical late 19th century lighthouse, brick and steel construction.  In 1982-83, it was saved from falling into the ocean by a group of volunteers, The Fort Pickering Light House Association.  She stands proud as a symbol of public spiritedness.

Twentieth Century - Winter Island is marked mostly by the presence of the armed forces.  From 1933 - 1969, the U.S. Coast Guard occupied the outer 20 acres, first as a coastal defense installation and then as a full Air and Sea Rescue Station.  Five buildings remain from the Coast Guard era, including the Sea Plane Hangar and the officers quarters building.  Winter Island Park was established by the City of Salem in 1980 by a citizen initiative which followed a Land Use Agreement with the Federal Government.

Winter Island Park is open for camping from May 1st to November 1st.

This walking tour allows you to experience the history of Winter Island Park.  A leisurely walk to take at your own pace (approximately 20 minutes) shows and describes the ten most historical spots on the island.

1. Entrance of Fort Pickering at the willow trees.  You will see the first plaque on your left.  As you follow the tour, walk in the direction of the star point.

2. One of three pre-Civil War ammunition bunkers.  They are still intact and will be fully restored in the near future by service projects of local Boy Scout troops.

3. Salem Harbor and Fort Pickering lighthouse.  "Take in the spectacular views from this vantage point."  When you're ready to continue, walk back the way you started and at the first plaque by the willow trees, walk under the trees to the cement path and find #4.

4. During the 1930's the United States Coast Guard created a search-and-rescue base here on Winter Island.  Please follow the cement path to Waikiki Beach and the next plaque.

5. The moat, what would a fort be without a moat -- you can hear the frogs croaking and the ducks quacking and see the many species of marine birds nesting.   Please follow the path up the stairs and around to...

6. The igloos.  Interesting area for camping groups with a fire ring for large campfires.  Please walk along the igloos driveway.  Then cross the street heading up hill to the highest point.

7. The breeze you feel is what the early settlers depended on to dry the fish on rocks all over this hill, which was divided into lots and each lot for a different catch.

8. "You better be good," was the warning for youths killed on this hill.  They were not witches; they were incorrigible youth.  If you walk further towards the harbor,  you will come to the Harbormaster's office.

9. This radio/weather station was an important past of the U.S.C.G. seaplane operations here. Below the hill, towards the Cat Cove side of Winter Island was the site of the Powder House used to store the black powder for the cannons.

10. The Frigate USS Essex was built and launched from this location.