Commerce

This historic theme deals with is concerned with this development of commerce, industry, and domestic and international trade within the present territory of the United States. Included are practices, methods, organizations, and techniques associated with these activities.

    A. Extractive or Mining Industries
    B. Manufacturing Organizations
    C. Construction and Housing
    D. Trade
    E. Finance and Banking
    F. Insurance
    G. Service Industry
    H. Power and Lighting
    I. Accounting
    J. Defense
    K. Business Organization
    L. Shipping and Transportation
    M. Supporting Institutions
Derby House at Salem Maritime National Historic Site

Salem Maritime, the first National Historic Site in the National Park System, was established to preserve and interpret the maritime history of New England and the United States. The Site consists of about nine acres of land and twelve historic structures along the waterfront in Salem, Massachusetts, as well as a Visitor Center in downtown Salem.

The Site documents the development of the Atlantic triangular trade during the colonial period, the role of privateering during the Revolutionary War, and the international maritime trade, especially with the Far East, which established American economic independence after the Revolution. The Site is also the focal point of the Essex National Heritage Area, designated in 1996, which links thousands of historic places in Essex County around three primary historic themes: colonial settlement, maritime trade, and early industrialization in the textile and shoe industries.

Salem Ships returned from ports such as Canton and Sumatra filled with high profit cargo that built individual fortunes and a young nation's economy. This trade made Salem the fifth busiest port in the United States and employed thousands of people.

No longer restricted by British law the American merchants dispatched daring crews to the "Farthest Port in the Rich East"! -- Salem's motto. At Salem Maritime National Historic Site students will explore the products and the routes taken in orderto meet the demands of the American consumers -- especially those of New Englanders. A visit to an actual West India Goods Store culminates and "brings home" the experience.

The links below will take you to other NPS units which contain additional information regarding this historical theme. Following that are links to related materials, which will provide more detailed Web sites that discuss selected aspects of this historical theme.

National Park Service units

Related Links