Salem: A Port of Pirates and Privateers
January 12, 2025
When most people think of Salem, Massachusetts, they conjure images of witches and colonial trials. But long before the city became synonymous with its dark 17th-century history, Salem was a bustling maritime hub—and a haven for pirates and privateers.
In the 17th and 18th centuries, Salem’s deep harbor and strategic location made it an ideal base for seafarers of all stripes. While merchants and fishermen carried on legitimate trade, the town also saw its share of swashbuckling adventurers, shady deals, and treasure-laden ships.
Salem’s Golden Age of Piracy
The golden age of piracy in the Atlantic (1650–1730) coincided with Salem’s rise as a maritime power. Privateers, who were essentially legalized pirates sanctioned by governments to attack enemy ships, thrived in this port town. These sailors blurred the line between patriotism and plunder, often keeping a portion of their captured loot. During times of peace, some privateers turned to outright piracy to maintain their lucrative lifestyle.
One of the most infamous pirates connected to Salem was Thomas Pound, a former English naval officer who became a pirate in the 1680s. His exploits included attacking merchant ships along the New England coast before his eventual capture. Stories like his fueled both fear and fascination in the region.
Privateering in the Revolutionary War
Salem truly cemented its reputation during the Revolutionary War, when privateering became a critical part of the American war effort. Salem’s ship captains and crews, armed with letters of marque, preyed on British supply ships, capturing goods that were vital for both survival and profit.
The privateer schooner Fame, rebuilt and sailing out of Salem today, is a tribute to this period. The original Fame, commanded by Captain Jonathan Haraden, captured or sank dozens of British vessels during the war. Haraden himself became one of the most celebrated privateer captains of his time.
The Legacy of Plunder
The pirate and privateer spirit left an indelible mark on Salem’s identity. The wealth brought in from maritime exploits helped transform the city into a thriving center of trade and culture in the early 19th century. Salem’s magnificent Federal-style mansions, built by wealthy sea captains and merchants, are a testament to the fortunes won on the high seas.
Today, Salem’s maritime history is preserved and celebrated in museums, including the Real Pirates Museum, where visitors can explore artifacts from shipwrecks and learn about the daring lives of pirates and privateers.
Discover the Real Pirates of Salem
Walking the streets of Salem, it’s easy to see how the town’s colorful history as a pirate and privateer haven is woven into its fabric. From tales of buried treasure to heroic naval battles, Salem’s maritime past is just as thrilling as any pirate legend.
At the Real Pirates Museum, we invite you to delve deeper into these stories, connect with the artifacts, and uncover the truth behind the legends. Whether you’re fascinated by treasure maps, naval battles, or the complex line between piracy and privateering, Salem has a story to tell.