Derby Wharf

Derby Wharf, the longest of the three wharves, was begun in 1762 by Richard Derby, Sr., one of Salem?s wealthiest merchants. As the trade expanded, they extended the wharf, until in 1806 it reached its current half-mile length. there is about an eleven foot difference between high tide and low tide. Sometimes bad weather will push the water in the harbor towards land. This is called a storm surge. When a storm surge happens at the same time as a high tide, water can come up over the wharves. This is one reason why warehouses were often several stories high.