You’ll come across the Derby family name often in Salem. Elizabeth Derby was the estranged wife of Captain Nathaniel West, who built and owned this house after their very public divorce. With a passion for righteousness and a flare for the dramatic, Elizabeth orchestrated a public display at the Salem Court House to prove her husband’s infidelity and stake her claim on her property rights as the law allowed in 1806. She was one of the earliest crusaders in America for women’s rights.

This is the room for those that like to sleep with one eye open. You’ll find countless entries in our guestbooks detailing the strange happenings of this room. No fewer than three ghosts are thought to be roaming the Inn. The first is a woman the staff named Katherine. The second is a little boy who can be heard running up and down the stairs and halls, and, finally, there’s the specter of a cat. Who has made room 17 home?

Stephen P. Webb was one of the earliest residents of the West House and a cousin of Nathaniel West. This room was part of his apartment. Webb, an accomplished lawyer, became mayor of Salem and, ultimately, a representative and a state senator all before age 50.