Salem was first settled in 1761, but as more settlers arrived from New England and Europe, the name of the town came into dispute. The town was officially named Salem in
1788.
Salem was home to Asa Fitch, natural historian and nation’s first entomologist. His “bug house” laboratory and home are located in Salem and on the National Register of Historic Places. Fitch’s studies helped scientists to solve some of the problems of crop damage caused by insects.
Salem was home to Asa Fitch, natural historian and nation’s first entomologist. His “bug house” laboratory and home are located in Salem and on the National Register of Historic Places. Fitch’s studies helped scientists to solve some of the problems of crop damage caused by insects.
Today, Salem is a wonderful mix of historic and modern, with the Cary Sculpture Park’s contemporary scultpures dotting the rolling hills. The historic district includes dozens of buildings that date to the 19th and early 20th centuries, which now house restaurants, shops, offices, and studios. The historic Salem Courthouse is as it was when built in 1869, save for a bell tower.
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The Town of Salem is situated east of Saratoga Springs and southeast of Lake George, along the Vermont border.
