Fish Flake Hill Historic District

Fish Flake Hill rises steeply from Beverly Harbor, and Front Street runs along its slope between Bartlett and Cabot Streets. Twenty-four wooden buildings stand close together within ten feet of the street, ranging from one and a half to three stories. Twelve date to the 18th century and show Colonial and Federal character, while one is dated to 1641 though altered, and the rest are mid to late 19th-century vernacular. The hill takes its name from the fish-drying flakes once found here. Development accelerated after 1764, when sea captains bought wharves and built homes overlooking the harbor. Blacksmiths, coopers, chandleries, and ship outfitters made it Beverly's business center. During the Revolution, the Hannah was outfitted at General John Glover's wharf and sailed in September 1775 as the first ship of Washington's New England Fleet, and privateers brought some six hundred captured ships to Beverly's wharves. Many buildings are altered and the area was in deteriorated condition at listing.