HOME Travel Guide Common Sense Travel
decorative font style
    Travel >> Holiday Travel >  >> Travel Notes

Joshua Ward House: From 18th-Century Merchant Home to Salem's Historic Boutique Hotel

Joshua Ward House: From 18th-Century Merchant Home to Salem s Historic Boutique Hotel

What today is one of Salem’s historic boutique hotels was once the home of merchant Joshua Ward (in the late 1780s). While not one of Salem’s wealthiest merchants, Ward had amassed a “small” fortune from importing molasses, Sumatran pepper, tea, spices, silk, and more to construct an opulent home close enough to the harbor so that he could see his ships coming in.

The Georgian style building was designed by Samuel McIntire, the renowned architect behind many historic homes in Salem whose work can be seen throughout the McIntire Historic District. The staircase inside The Merchant is thought to be the oldest surviving McIntire-created staircase in Salem.

While Joshua Ward lived in the home, he hosted George Washington during his visit to New England following his election in 1789. If you happen to stay at The Merchant today, you can stay where Washington stayed by booking the George Washington King Deluxe Room.

Ward’s home was commissioned on the property in 1784, though you may hear about a possibility of a haunting on the site if you happen to take a Salem ghost tour: In 1692, High Sheriff George Corwin resided on the property, and following the Witch Trials there were rumors around town that he had tortured some of the victims in his basement (though no historical evidence for this exists today). Still, some consider the site to be one of the most haunted in Salem, but we’d recommend taking a local ghost tour to come to your own conclusions.


Travel Notes
  • -

    Discover the timeless beauty of Lake Charles, especially if youre passionate about history and architecture. Stroll through the Garden District, Kirby Street, or Pujo Street to admire classic Southern homes like the Arthur L. Gayle House, featuring symmetrical windows, colossal Doric fluted columns, and a balustered balcony. A beautiful home in the Historic District of Lake Charles. Many of these grand structures were crafted by skilled carpenters during the 19th-century lumber boom, when Mich

  • The Willett Home – Luxury 4‑Bedroom Retreat on Bardstown s Bourbon Trail

    The Willett Home – Luxury 4‑Bedroom Retreat on Bardstowns Bourbon Trail Location: 111 Parkview Drive, Bardstown, KY 40004 Centrally located on the Bourbon Trail, less than one mile from downtown Bardstown and near My Old Kentucky Home State Park, the property offers stunning views of the nearby golf course. Accommodations: 4 bedrooms, 2 full baths, and space for up to 8 guests. Guests consistently praise the peaceful setting, historic charm, and modern amenities that make The Willett Home a sta

  • The Guesthouse: A Premium Stay Experience

    Presidential Pathways Buena Vista The Guesthouse is a recently renovated historic home repurposed as short and long term accommodations. Come relax with us in our cozy rooms making you feel right at home. Rooms are rented on an individual and group basis. Special events are not allowed due to tenant privacy.