WELCOME TO
SALEM
Salem is Washington County at its finest. Steeped in history, agricultural traditions and small-town charm, with a vibrant & artistic community at it’s core. Come experience the renaissance that is Salem, New York.
ABOUT SALEM
Salem preserves its rural charm and historical traditions that inspire hundreds of artists each year. Visitors can enjoy a number of historic landmarks, beautiful period homes, covered bridges, museums and cultural events. To truly get a taste of the diversity of Salem, you have to see it for yourself!
Salem is best known for:
Salem is best known for:
A BRIEF HISTORY OF SALEM
1700s
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.
1800s
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
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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