This volume offers a fascinating look at the seafaring history of Salem, Massachusetts, home to some of the most important shipping fleets in American history. With detailed descriptions and illustrations, this book explores the evolution of shipbuilding and travel from the colonial era to the early 19th century. In addition to its historical value, this book is a testament to the beauty and craftsmanship of the ships that once ruled the oceans. This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important, and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it. This work is in the "public domain in the United States of America, and possibly other nations. Within the United States, you may freely copy and distribute this work, as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work. Scholars believe, and we concur, that this work is important enough to be preserved, reproduced, and made generally available to the public. We appreciate your support of the preservation process, and thank you for being an important part of keeping this knowledge alive and relevant.