Salem Maritime, the first National Historic Site in the National Park System, was established to preserve and interpret the maritime history of New England and the United States. The National Historic Site encompasses about 9.5 acres at the center of what was once the main waterfront section of the city. The principal resources include three original historic wharves– Derby, Hatch’s, and Central–extending into Salem Harbor and a row of historic government, residential, and commercial structures, including the U.S. Custom House, elegant homes of sea captains and merchants, and the more ordinary homes of craftsmen. The wharves are among the rarest remaining intact from America’s age of sails almost 200 years ago. The site also includes a replica of the tall ship Friendship, as well as a Visitor Center in downtown Salem. Tours of the tall ship Friendship are available. The Site documents the development of the Atlantic triangular trade during the colonial period, the role of privateering during the Revolutionary War, and the international maritime trade, especially with the Far East, which established American economic independence after the Revolution.