Essay On Salem History

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Pages: 3

Salem’s long and diverse history could be seen in a variety of ways during our trip to Salem. Witch references could be seen on lampposts and were used in shop and restaurant names. In many ways, this part of Salem felt like a tourist trap. Maritime history could be seen at the Peabody Essex Museum, and was especially prevalent at the waterfront. While this part of Salem was still touristy, it retained a larger sense of authenticity than central Salem did. Personally, all the past and present themes of Salem became clear and blended together when taking the trolley tour of Salem. The trolley tour of Salem took us through the different neighborhoods of Salem, and as a result the different time periods and history of Salem. The trolley tour …show more content…
I found all of these witch references to be over the top. It seemed too planned and targeted, more like a section in a Disney Park than a real city. However, just a few blocks away, the dark (now turned lively) witch history of Salem gives way to the more authentic maritime past. Though the port and wharfs are no longer bustling, it is easy to see how they once were. Furthermore, the maritime sector of Salem has not been as exploited as its witch history, in part it seemed to me because it is still relevant. There are many good seafood restaurants in and around Salem, and as a result the maritime/ sailing industry still exists (though to a much lesser extent than it once did). Walking around the coastline, it was much easier to envision Salem’s past than it was in the center of Salem. As it was less of a tourist spot, the coast retained more original features and houses. For me, seeing some of the original buildings as they were, and not surrounded by or turned into tourist spots, made it possible to envision