Schooner Fame of Salem

When people think of Salem, the most famous sights are without a doubt related to the Witch Trials of 1692 and the city is especially popular and busy during the Halloween season. However, there is much more to Salem beyond the spooky or supernatural. The waterfront is equally historic, and the replica of the Schooner Fame is a testament to the city’s rich maritime history. 

When the French Revolution broke out in 1789 and with much of Europe being dragged into war against France in the following years, the newly created United States found itself in a very precarious position. Support their French allies who played such a crucial role in helping secure American independence at the risk of starting another war with Great Britain or remain neutral praying for peace and a hopeful outcome. President George Washington chose neutrality and with the signing of the Jay Treaty in 1794, peace and commerce between the US and Britain would be maintained for 10 years. However, with the expiration of the treaty and the Monroe–Pinkney Treaty of 1806 designed to continue the peace being rejected by President Thomas Jefferson, the future between the two countries seemed increasingly uncertain.

By 1810, things were approaching a breaking point with numerous naval incidents such as skirmishes and impressment of American sailors resulting in violence, embargos being passed, and continued expansion westward convincing Native American tribes the only way to prevent American encroachment was forming alliances with the British. Conflict finally began when Congress formally declared war and President James Madison signed the measure into law in June 1812. 

With war breaking out, the mariners and sailors of Salem had limited options on how to preserve their careers and livelihoods. They could either continue trading as usual, but risk being captured or sunk by enemy vessels, become privateers on behalf of the US government, or simply wait on the sidelines with no income and hope the conflict will end quickly. For many, privateering was the only practical solution and 25 men in Salem gathered resources and funds to purchase a ship so they could become privateers. They bought a small schooner originally designed for fishing named Fame which was built by Captain Epes Davis of Annisquam. The crew outfitted Fame with cannons and chose William Webb as their captain. Once they received their privateering commissions, they sail for British Canada in July 1812 as the first American privateer vessel. 

Their plan was to sail along the Maine coast and with New England being close to the Canadian border, it didn’t take long for Fame to spot British vessels. Off Grand Manan Island in the Bay of Fundy, Fame captured the English ship Concord and the Scottish brig Elbe without firing a shot becoming the first American privateer ship to make a capture. Fame returned to Salem on July 9th, just eight days after setting sail and brought back a lucrative cargo of shipping supplies including masts, spars, staves, and tar. It was deemed legitimate cargo and auctioned off for around $7,000, an incredibly large sum at the time.

Throughout the rest of the war, Fame would make 12 cruises and capture 20 ships with many different captains and crew members. In 1814, Fame was wrecked in the Bay of Fundy, and its crew taken prisoners but returned to the US once the war ended a year later. 

Construction for the replica of Fame began in 2002 and first set sail with passengers in July 2003. Today, it offers various cruises around Salem Sound, and it’s an absolute delight. Not only can you see and feel the history on board, but passengers also have the opportunity to assist the crew working the sails, steering the ship, purchase snacks and refreshments, and lastly witness one of the small cannons being fired before reentering the harbor.

There are many cruises and ferries across Massachusetts, but nothing quite like the Fame. An absolute must visit if you have an interest in the history of the War of 1812, enjoy sailing on the ocean, and would like to have a unique experience most visitors to Salem may not be aware of. Happy and smooth sailing!