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Samuel McIntire  1757-1811

Samuel McIntire, born in Salem, Massachusetts, was one of the first notable architects in the United States. A woodcarver, by trade, he gradually learned the profession of architecture. He was influenced in great measure by Charles Bullfinch. Today McIntire is known both for his remarkable woodcarving and his outstanding Federal Period architecture.  

One of McIntire's many wood carvings.

 His career was launched when Salem’s most notable (of many notable) merchant, Elias Haskett Derby hired him to design a home. Derby was so pleased with the first home that he had McIntire design several other magnificent houses in Salem. Soon he was chosen by other wealthy Salemites to do their homes. Among the most famous still standing are the Peirce-Nichols House, the Gardner-Pingree House, and the Peabody-Silsbee House. Among the public buildings he designed were Hamilton Hall, the Assembly Hall and a courthouse. The Assembly Hall and Hamilton hall are still standing. He competed for the design of the U.S. Capitol Building 1n 1792. 

Many of his houses can be found today on Chestnut and Federal Streets in Salem.

  

                                                                                                                                                                                            A chest of drawers by McIntire