Surround yourself with American history – rent your next apartment in Essex County, Massachusetts. Not only does this amazing county contain many important historic sites, the entire county is a historic site. It is part of the Essex National Heritage Area, which includes over 30 cities and towns and two national parks. The county was founded in 1643 and contains some amazing towns such as Salem, Georgetown, Andover, Amesbury, Merrimac, Hamilton, Essex, Newbury, and Salisbury.
You may not know the name Elbridge Gerry, but this important statesman signed the Declaration of Independence and the Articles of Confederation. He refused to sign the US Constitution because, at the time, it didn’t include a Bill of Rights, and he served as the fifth vice President under James Madison. He then went on to become the ninth governor of Massachusetts. As governor, he divided up Essex County into a salamander shape for political reasons. And, although you may not recognize the name Elbridge Gerry, you’re probably familiar with the term named for this act – gerrymandering.
In addition to being the first county divided up for political reasons, Essex County also contains the first National Historic Site. The Salem Maritime National Historic Site was added in 1938. This important location contains 12 historic structures and nine acres of Salem waterfront. The Derby Wharf was originally built in 1762. The Derby Wharf Lighthouse was built in 1871 and is located at the end of the Warf. The Derby House was built in 1762, the Narbonne House in 1675, and the Hawkes House in 1780 by architect Samuel McIntire.
Essex County is home to many colleges and universities, including Merrimack College, Endicott College, Salem State University, and the Massachusetts School of Law.
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