Map of Salem in the 1640s, from Emerson Baker, A Storm of Witchcraft, placed over a modern map of the region

Salem in 1626

March 6, 2025

Photo Credit: Map of Salem in the 1640s, from Emerson Baker, A Storm of Witchcraft, placed over a modern map of the region

Salem: From Native Land to Modern Cities

When Roger Conant and his group of fishermen established their settlement at Naumkeag in 1626, they could hardly have imagined how their small outpost would eventually split into multiple thriving communities. The territory that began as Salem – named in 1629 to replace the indigenous name Naumkeag – would undergo a century-long process of division that would reshape the map of northeastern Massachusetts.

The First Wave of Divisions

Wenham (1643)

The first major division came when the area known as Enon separated to become Wenham. This inland region, originally named after a biblical location mentioned in the Gospel of John, had distinct needs from the more maritime-focused Salem proper. The settlement was formally incorporated as Wenham in 1643, marking the beginning of Salem’s territorial divisions.

Manchester (1645)

Just two years after Wenham’s separation, the area known as Jeffry’s Creeke broke away to become Manchester. This coastal section, named after an early settler, had developed its own identity as a fishing community. The town would later become known as Manchester-by-the-Sea, though this official name change wouldn’t occur until centuries later in 1990.

Marblehead (1649)

Marblehead’s separation marked a significant change in Salem’s maritime influence. This rocky peninsula, already developing as a distinct fishing community with its own unique culture and dialect, formally split from Salem in 1649. The separation reflected both geographic reality and cultural differences, as Marblehead had developed its own distinct character centered around its fishing fleet.

Mid-Colonial Divisions

Beverly (1668)

Known initially as Bass River Side or “Salem Village on the Other Side,” Beverly represented a major division of Salem’s territory. Located across the harbor from Salem proper, it had gradually developed its own identity, with its first parish established in 1667. The following year, it was incorporated as Beverly, marking the fourth major division of Salem’s original territory.

Middleton (1728)

Nearly sixty years after Beverly’s incorporation, the inland area that became Middleton separated from surrounding towns –  Salem, Topsfield, Boxford, and Andover. This rural farming community, situated between Salem Village (later Danvers) and Andover, developed its own identity centered around agriculture and small-scale industry.

Danvers (1752)

Perhaps the most historically significant division was that of Salem Village, which became Danvers. This area, infamous as the primary location of the 1692 witch trials, had long functioned semi-autonomously from Salem proper. Its formal separation in 1752 marked the final division of Salem’s original territory.

Industrial Era Division

Peabody (1855/1868)

The last major division from the original Salem territory came in the mid-19th century when what was initially called South Danvers separated from Danvers. This area had been known as “the Middle Precinct” during colonial times. In 1855, it was incorporated as South Danvers, and in 1868, it was renamed Peabody in honor of philanthropist George Peabody, a local benefactor. The city would go on to become a major center of the leather tanning industry, earning the nickname “Leather City” and developing into an important industrial hub.

The Legacy of Division

These divisions reflect the natural evolution of colonial New England settlements. As populations grew and different areas developed distinct economic focuses, it became practical for communities to govern themselves independently. Each new town developed its own character:

  • Wenham emerged as an agricultural community
  • Manchester developed as a fishing port
  • Marblehead became a major fishing and maritime center
  • Beverly balanced maritime trade with farming
  • Middleton focused on agriculture and small industry
  • Danvers maintained its agricultural heritage while gradually industrializing
  • Peabody evolved into an industrial center, particularly known for leather tanning

Modern Connections

The story of Salem’s divisions provides a fascinating window into colonial development patterns and the organic growth of New England communities. From a single settlement on Native American land, multiple distinct communities emerged, each with its own character while maintaining connections to their shared Salem roots.

This process of division and specialization helped create the diverse and interconnected region we see today in northeastern Massachusetts. Understanding these historical connections helps us better appreciate both the unique character of each community and their shared heritage as parts of the original Salem settlement.