Salem Village Historic District

Salem Village Historic District in Danvers, Massachusetts, is a semi-rural neighborhood of 115 buildings along Centre Street and neighboring streets, covering about 275 acres. Most are private homes, among them more than 60 built before 1860 and eight from the 17th century. Predominant types are center-chimney Colonial houses, often with saltbox or Beverly jog additions, and 1½-story Greek Revival cottages from 1830 to 1860, many built by the local carpenter Josiah Mudge. The district also includes the Training Field, the Glen Magna gardens, the Endicott Estate and the Rebecca Nurse House. It was listed for its link to the 1692 witchcraft hysteria, which began in the village parsonage, and for its role in Danvers' political life, including Samuel Holten, a president of the Continental Congress. Farming, taverns and home shoe manufacturing add to its history, and the buildings together show how the village developed from the 17th century through the 19th.