Salem Common Historic District (Salem, New Hampshire) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Salem Common Historic District
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Salem Common
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 Location in New Hampshire
Location in the United States
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| Location | 304, 310, 312 Main St., Salem, New Hampshire |
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| Area | 3.5 acres (1.4 ha) |
| Built | 1738 |
| NRHP reference No. | 11000190 |
| Added to NRHP | April 15, 2011 |
The Salem Common Historic District is a special area in Salem, New Hampshire. It shows what the town looked like when it was first settled a long time ago. This district includes the old town common, the original town hall, a fire station, and a library. The town hall was built in 1738. It was changed a lot in 1838 and 1899. People used it for town meetings until 1958. This important area was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2011.
Contents
Exploring Salem's Historic Center
Salem was first settled in the 1600s. Back then, it was part of a town called Methuen, Massachusetts. In 1750, Salem became its own town. This happened after the border between Massachusetts and New Hampshire was officially decided.
The Salem Common: A Community Hub
The Salem Common was created around 1741. It was designed to be a central gathering place. The common is still a green space today. It is a key part of the historic district.
The Old Town Hall: A Building with Many Lives
The Old Town Hall was built in 1738. It started as a colonial meeting house. This meant it was used for both church services and town meetings. It was the main community building until the 1940s.
In 1838, the building was moved a short distance. It was placed next to the common where it stands today. At this time, it stopped being used for religious services. The building was changed several times over the years. Famous architect Henry Vaughan helped with some changes in 1899.
From 1961 to 1973, the upper floor held a local court. Later, it was used for community groups. Since 1981, the local historical society has taken care of the building. They help preserve its long history.
Other Important Buildings and Memorials
Besides the Old Town Hall, the historic district has other interesting buildings. There is an old schoolhouse from 1861. It is now used as a branch library. A fire station built in 1906 is also part of the district.
The common also has several war memorials. These monuments honor people from Salem who served in different wars. The town's original burying ground is also here. It dates back to about 1741. This cemetery has hundreds of graves. It overlooks the Spicket River and is surrounded by a stone wall.
