Historic Essex Walking Tour

Essex packs a remarkable amount of history into a single mile, and this free self-guided tour is the best way to find it.

Starting at the corner of Main Street and Martin Street, the route covers 16 historic sites along the Essex River Cultural District, with interpretive signs at each stop and QR codes linking to additional stories, photographs, and audio.

Along the way you will learn how a small tidal river town built over 4,000 wooden vessels, find a 1797 Paul Revere bell still hanging in the steeple of the First Congregational Church, hear the story of the notorious grave robberies of 1818, discover the birthplace of the fried clam, and follow the thread of how Essex became known as America’s Antique Capital.

Brochures and maps are available at the signpost on the corner of Main and Martin Streets and at several stops along the route. The walk takes about an hour at a comfortable pace and passes through the heart of the town’s shops and restaurants.

Note: Brochures are also available at Essex Town Hall and the T.O.H.P. Burnham Public Library on Martin Street. The route is relatively flat and accessible throughout.