Hamilton Hall in Salem is widely recognized as one of the most important Federal buildings in America. It was designed in 1805 by the famous architect and master woodcarver, Samuel McIntire, and has been in use as an assembly hall for cultural and social events for over two hundred years. In the 1800’s, Salem was a political hotbed with Federalists and Jeffersonian Republicans constantly pitted against one another. Each party was determined to have a meeting place, which led to the construction of Hamilton Hall by the Federalists. They were also the first Proprietors to oversee the new building. In its early days, Hamilton Hall hosted elaborate celebrations and banquets, honoring various local and visiting dignitaries, as well as dances. One of the first Assemblies held at Hamilton Hall was the somewhat controversial Christmas Week dance, a tradition that continues today. According to a popular story, Parson Hopkins, minister of the South church across the street from the Hall, could be seen pacing outside his church waving his arms and muttering, “back to back and breast to breast, they are dancing their souls to hell.”