Few places along the greater Boston coastline are as significant in Nautical History as Salem. Said to once be the sixth largest city in the world (late 1700s), the city was a major shipping port with a large, well protected Harbor. Its one time resident, Nathaniel Bowditch, is known as the founder of modern maritime navigation.
The Federal Style House on 9 North Street in Salem, once the home of Nathaniel Bowditch:
Nathaniel Bowditch (1773-1838) lived in Salem during the peak of its maritime industry. Trained as a mathematician, Bowditch applied mathematical technique to Navigation. His work was largely based on calculating geometric angles using astronomy, which could enable a mariner to calculate position and course. In 1802, he published the American Practical Navigator, a version of which is still carried on every United States Coast Guard vessel today.
Today, the Salem Ferry, which provides service between Long Wharf and Salem is named for Nathaniel Bowditch. As mentioned last year, this vessel faced a potential service cut, but this issue was resolved when the service route changed operators.
Salem is a great place to visit for history buffs and boaters alike. We have written in the past about making the day trip from Boston to Salem Sound and the attractions (and navigational dangers) that await you there.
