Essex is a beautiful, historic town with a number of attractions and activity, much
of it located right here.

We are very fortunate to be located adjacent to one of the most interesting historic sites and exhibits in New England, the Essex Shipbuilding Museum.

The land immediately adjacent to the restaurant is public land set aside by the town in 1668 "for a yard to build vessels and to employ workmen for that end." Beyond this land lies what was the Story Shipyard, established in 1813 and from which came hundreds of the Gloucester fishing schooners as well as the great racing schooners, including the legendary "Gertrude L. Thebaud". Just across the river at the current site of Perkins Marine, the Vidette", the largest ship every built in Essex was launched in 1881, an incredible 191 feet long.

The restaurant itself stands on a site previously occupied by a tidal powered saw mill. At that time the bridge was a wooden drawbridge, and next to it was a dam and lock, which powered
two mills. When the tide came in, the water would be "locked" behind the dam, then allowed to run through a wheel back into the river, providing power for the mills.

The Essex Shipbuilding Museum

Much of Essex history is involved with shipbuilding, and this heritage is here for you to see and enjoy at the neighboring Essex Shipbuilding Museum. The museum can be reached by calling 978-768-7541. We are indebted to Dana Story for providing this historic summary. Dana Story was the owner of the Story Boat Yard for many years and is regarded as the leading authority of Essex shipbuilding history.