The original Friendship was constructed in Briggs’ shipyard across the South River, near the Salem Maritime National Historic Site. The three-masted square-rigged 342-ton vessel was registered to merchants Jerathmiel Pierce and Aaron Wite of Salem.Friendship made 15 voyages around the world, trading for pepper, exotic spices, sugar, coffee and other goods.
She was captured by the British during the War of 1812 and was condemned and sold. The newFriendship is handicap accessible and meets modern safety requirements but retains the appearance of the late 18th century vessel.
