Nestled on the Atlantic Ocean north of Boston in Essex County, Salisbury, Massachusetts, boasts a rich and complex history stretching back centuries. This vibrant coastal community, once the ancestral land of the Pentucket tribe of Pennacook Indians, has evolved from a nascent colonial plantation into a diverse modern town with a deep historical narrative. The founding of Salisbury, Massachusetts, marks a significant chapter in the early development of the Massachusetts Bay Colony.
On September 6, 1638, a pivotal land grant was bestowed upon Simon Bradstreet, the secretary of the Massachusetts Bay Colony, and eleven other men. This grant authorized them to establish a new plantation situated north of the Merrimack River. The expansive territory encompassed what would later become the Massachusetts towns of Amesbury and Merrimack, alongside a significant portion of what is now southeastern New Hampshire, including Seabrook, South Hampton, Newton, Hampstead, Plaistow, and Kingston. Initially named Colchester, the settlement was officially incorporated the following year and fittingly renamed Salisbury, drawing its inspiration from Salisbury, Wiltshire, England. Early residents received a building lot near the town center, a larger planting lot for agriculture, and valuable “sweepage lots” near the coast, essential for harvesting salt marsh hay.
Early Colonial Life and Native American Interactions
The layout of early Salisbury was strategically designed for protection, with original roads forming a compact semicircle around the town center. This design allowed settlers swift access to the garrison house during periods of perceived threat. Two primary concerns dominated the lives of these early colonists: potential attacks from Native American tribes and the pervasive presence of wolves. The Naumkeag tribe was initially a major fear, prompting the town’s men to maintain constant vigilance, taking turns standing watch, particularly during the night. However, the Naumkeag population had been significantly reduced by plague, mitigating the threat somewhat. The second significant menace came from the abundant wolf population, which frequently preyed upon the settlers’ valuable livestock.
The Shadow of the Salem Witch Trials
Among the original founding families were Richard and Ursula North, who had immigrated from England with their children and settled in Salisbury in 1639. Richard’s daughter from his first marriage, Susannah North Martin, would later become an infamous figure in the annals of American history. Though residing in Amesbury at the time, Susannah Martin was accused and ultimately hanged for witchcraft on July 19, 1692, during the horrific hysteria that swept through the region. Her case tragically links Salisbury to the broader narrative of the Salem Witch Trials, with a prominent Salisbury resident playing a crucial role in the legal proceedings.
Robert Pike, one of Salisbury’s esteemed founders and a man who held various influential political positions throughout his life, was responsible for meticulously recording a substantial portion of the testimony brought against Susannah North Martin. His involvement, however, took a dramatic turn when accusations of witchcraft were leveled against Mary Perkins Bradbury, whose son was married to Pike’s daughter. This personal connection spurred Robert Pike to become a vocal and courageous opponent of the entire witch trial affair. In August 1692, he penned a forceful and eloquent letter to Judge Jonathan Corwin, vehemently challenging the admissibility of spectral evidence in court. Pike famously argued that as long as spectral evidence was permitted, “the Devil is accuser and witness,” highlighting the fundamental injustice and absurdity of the proceedings. His principled stance remains a testament to his integrity during a period of widespread fear and delusion.
Growth, Industry, and the Rise of Salisbury Beach
Following the tumultuous period of the witch trials, Salisbury experienced a steady period of growth and prosperity. The town successfully leveraged its natural resources, profiting from its fertile upland farms, robust boatbuilding industry, and its strategic location along a major overland trade route connecting to the northern territories. This period laid the groundwork for future development and economic expansion.
A significant transformation occurred in 1866 with the construction of Beach Road across the expansive Great Marsh. This engineering feat provided convenient access to the town’s magnificent five miles of pristine coastline, paving the way for the creation of Salisbury Beach. The area rapidly blossomed into a bustling summer resort, attracting visitors with its array of amenities including hotels, restaurants, shops, charming cottages, lively arcades, and exhilarating amusement parks. It became a premier destination for leisure and entertainment, embodying the spirit of a classic New England seaside escape.
Salisbury Beach’s Golden Age
Around the turn of the 20th century, Salisbury Beach truly entered its golden age. The iconic Ocean Echo, a grand dance pavilion, was erected on wooden pylons directly over the beach and ocean around 1900. Though tragically destroyed by an arsonist’s fire in January 1920, it was promptly rebuilt the following year, continuing to enchant visitors until 1937 when it was auctioned off and remodeled into the new music venue known as the Frolics. The resort also boasted numerous amusements that delighted generations of vacationers. The meticulously hand-carved carousel, The Flying Horses by Charles I. D. Looff, was installed in 1914, becoming an instant classic. John Miller introduced the thrill of The Sky Rocket, Salisbury Beach’s very first roller coaster. The popular Dodgem ride, originally designed by Max and Harold Stoeher of Methuen, provided bumper car fun from 1920 until 1980. The beach also became a renowned entertainment hub, hosting concerts by legendary entertainers such as Glenn Miller, Ella Fitzgerald, Louis Armstrong, Frank Sinatra, and Liberace, cementing its reputation as a cultural hotspot.
The Decline and Modern Transformation
Despite its vibrant past, the mid-20th century brought challenges to Salisbury Beach. Many of its historic structures succumbed to devastating fires in the early 20th century, altering its landscape. While the resort remained dynamic through the 1960s, it gradually began to fade. The last roller coaster, WildCat, was razed in 1976. Pirate’s Fun Park, the final small amusement park, closed its gates in 2004, its land subsequently redeveloped into condominiums. Other iconic buildings were demolished to make way for the expansive Salisbury Beach State Park, transforming the area into a beloved natural recreation space.
Salisbury Today
Today, Salisbury, Massachusetts, stands as a testament to its enduring history and diverse geography. Encompassing sixteen square miles, the town seamlessly blends picturesque farms, expansive beaches, vital marshlands, and thriving residential and commercial areas. It is now home to approximately 8,300 residents, supporting a charming neighborhood of meticulously restored antique homes and a bustling array of riverfront marine businesses. Salisbury continues to honor its past while embracing its future, offering a unique blend of coastal beauty, historical depth, and community spirit.
