A Stroll Through Historic Salem Author:Samuel Chamberlain Every page has black and white photographs of historic houses, buildings, interiors, events, art, gravestones, 150 total of Samuel Chamberlain's (photographer-laureate)work. — The ancient seaport of Salem, Massachusetts, is an unfailing magnet for many thousands of visitors who throng to the historic places of New England every year. One of the ... more »first pioneer settlements of the New World and for decades the foremost shippi9ng center of the Colonies, its museums and old houses hold forth an inspiring experience for visitors, especially those who are truly interested in the early history of our country. The cluster of crude temporary dwellings was known as Naumkeag when founded in 1626 but its name was soon changed to Salem. In 1628 a colony of settlers organized by the Dorchester Company and led by John Endecott came to build substantial shelters on a crude thoroughfare that is now Salem's Washington Street. Today one strolls enthralled along not only that historic way but also Chestnut Street - regarded as architecturally the most beautiful street in America- and the rest of Salem's storied avenues. The visitor may enjoy seeing the famous "Witch House", the original House of the Seven Gables or Pingree House, considered the finest brick residence designed by Samuel McIntire.« less