Salem, New York facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Salem
Town
Main Street
Location of Salem in Washington County (left) and of Washington County in New York state (right)
Country	United States
State	New York
County	Washington
Area
• Total	52.42 sq mi (135.77 km2)
• Land	52.36 sq mi (135.62 km2)
• Water	0.06 sq mi (0.15 km2)
Population  (2020)
• Total	2,612
• Density	49.828/sq mi (19.238/km2)
ZIP codes	12865 (primary) 12823 Cossayuna 12873 Shushan
Area code(s)	518
FIPS code	36-115-64782

Salem is a small town located in eastern Washington County, New York. It is part of the larger Glens Falls Metropolitan Statistical Area. In 2020, about 2,612 people lived in Salem. The town of Salem also includes a smaller area called a hamlet, which is also named Salem. This hamlet used to be a village.

History of Salem

A map of Salem from 1889, showing important places.

Salem was first settled in 1761 by two soldiers, Joshua Conkey and James Turner. They had passed through the area during the French and Indian War and liked what they saw.

In 1764, Alexander and James Turner officially claimed the land. This land was then shared between two groups of settlers. One group came from Pelham, Massachusetts. The other group was made up of Scotch-Irish Presbyterians, led by Dr. Thomas Clark from Ireland.

During the American Civil War, a group of soldiers called the 123rd Volunteer Regiment was formed in Salem.

Two important old houses in Salem have been added to the National Register of Historic Places. These are the Alexander McNish House (in 2010) and the Martin–Fitch House and Asa Fitch Jr. Laboratory (in 2014).

Famous People from Salem

• Francis J. Clark (1912–1981): He was a hero in World War II and received the Congressional Medal of Honor. He joined the army in Salem.
• Dr. Asa Fitch (1803–1879): He was a famous scientist who studied insects, called an entomologist. He was born, went to school, and died in Salem.
• William K. McAllister (1818–1888): He became a judge on the Illinois Supreme Court. He was born in Salem.
• James S. Parker (1867–1933): He used to be a US Congressman, which means he helped make laws for the country.
• Eli Waste (1827–1894): He was a politician who served in the Wisconsin State Assembly. He was born in Salem.

Geography of Salem

The town of Salem covers about 52.5 square miles (136.0 square kilometers). Most of this area is land, with a very small amount of water.

The eastern edge of Salem is the border with Vermont. This is where the region known as New England begins. Part of the western and southern borders of the town are marked by the Batten Kill. This is a river that starts in Vermont and flows into the Hudson River.

Two main roads, NY Route 29 and NY Route 22, meet at a place called Greenwich Junction. Route 22 then continues north into the town of Hebron.

Population of Salem

In the year 2000, there were 2,702 people living in Salem. The population density was about 51.5 people per square mile. Most of the people living in Salem (about 98%) were White. There were also smaller groups of African American, Native American, and Asian people. About 0.56% of the population was Hispanic or Latino.

Communities and Places in Salem

Communities

• Eagleville – A small community at the southern edge of the town, located on the Batten Kill river.
• Fitch Point – Another small community near the western border of the town, on NY-29.
• Greenwich Junction – A community southeast of Salem village, where NY-22 and NY-29 roads meet.
• Rexleigh – A community right at the eastern border of the town, also on the Batten Kill.
• Salem – This is the main community, located on NY-22. It used to be a village.
• Shushan – A community at the southern town line, also on the Batten Kill. It has a famous covered bridge called the Shushan Bridge. Part of Shushan is also in the town of Jackson.

Geographical Features

• Black Creek – A stream that flows through the western part of the town.
• Blind Buck Brook – A stream that flows into the Batten Kill river, south of Rexleigh.
• Camden Creek – A stream in the eastern part of the town that joins the Batten Kill west of Eagleville.
• Dillon Hill – A hill located near the western border of the town.
• East Beaver Brook – A stream that flows through Salem village.
• Juniper Swamp Brook – A stream that flows into the Batten Kill.
• Scott Lake – A lake located near the northern border of the town.
• Steele Brook – A stream west of Camden Creek that also flows into the Batten Kill, west of Eagleville.
• West Beaver Brook – A stream that flows into Black Brook.
• Wheeler Hill – A hill located near the eastern border of the town.

Interesting Places to Visit

• Shushan Covered Bridge – A historic bridge that is covered.
• Rexleigh Covered Bridge – Another historic covered bridge.
• Eagleville Covered Bridge – A third historic covered bridge in the area.
• Georgi Museum & Gardens – This museum has a collection of old paintings from Europe, dating from the 1300s to the 1700s.
• Revolutionary War Cemetery – A cemetery where people from the American Revolutionary War are buried.
• Historic Salem Courthouse & Prison – An old building that used to be a courthouse and a prison.
• Fort Salem Theater – A place where plays and shows are performed.
• Salem Art Works – A center for art and artists.
• Asa Fitch Home & Laboratory – The home and lab of the famous insect scientist, Asa Fitch. It is listed on the National Registry of Historic Properties.

See also

In Spanish: Salem (Nueva York) para niños