Marblehead

Town in Essex County, northeastern Massachusetts, 24 km/15 mi northeast of Boston; population (2000 est) 7,300. The town is sited on a rocky double peninsula surrounded by Massachusetts Bay to the east and south and Salem Harbor to the west. The economy is based on boatbuilding, fishing, and light manufacturing, and is an important yachting centre. Marblehead was settled in 1629 and incorporated in 1649.

It was an early fishing and shipbuilding centre, and is known as the ‘Birthplace of the American Navy’. Fort Sewall was built in the mid-17th century to protect the coast in the French and Indian wars. During the American Revolution, it became known as a base for privateering raids.

East Coast yacht owners have long made Marblehead their base or a port of call, and the town is home to many affluent suburbanites. Over 200 houses pre-date the American Revolution, and another 800 date from the 19th century.