Walk with fine art photographer Keith Dotson through Salem Common on a foggy morning
Here’s a quiet little video shot on a foggy morning in Salem, Massachusetts on the Salem Common.
Salem Common is an 8 – 9 acre public park in the heart of the city. It was first established in the 1600s as a military drill field and place to practice shooting for military service. The militia that drilled there eventually became the Army National Guard.
It was a place for grazing sheep and goats until 1802 when the first fence was constructed.
As you can see from this old map from 1700, it originally had hills and ponds and a creek running out of it, which were removed In 1801.
Today it’s a public space used for dog walking, impromptu sports games, jogging, picnics, and occasional festivals or events.
The iron fence seen in the video and featured in the photos below dates back to the 1850s.
Most people recognize Salem Common from its prominent appearance in the Disney cult classic movie Hocus Pocus.
New black and white photographs made in Salem, Massachusetts on a foggy morning
Thanks for reading.
Be sure to visit me on Facebook, Instagram or Pinterest, or on my website at keithdotson.com.
~ Keith
Sources:
Salemweb.com, Salem Common
Streets of Salem, It Happened on Salem Common
Wikipedia, Salem Common Historic District (Salem, Massachusetts)