Salem in Lee County, Alabama — The American South (East South Central)
Salem, Alabama
Founded 1835
Photographed by Tim & Renda Carr, January 16, 2011
1. Salem, Alabama Marker (Side A)
Among the earliest settlers were the families of Henry Crowder, Dr. D. W. Floyd, Charles Nelms, W. W. Burt, George Heard, John Askew, Moses Pruitt, and Dr. McCoy. Rev. F. L. Cherry, leading historian of East Alabamas first 50 years, wrote that the town was laid off in 1836 by Benjamin H. Baker, Dr. Erastus Jones, and B. S. Mangham.
A schoolhouse was built in 1837. Professor Sheppard, the first teacher, was followed by Professor Sanders in 1838. Academies for the girls and boys, Baptist and Methodist Churches and a camp meeting ground were early additions to the community. A stagecoach stop was located on the west side of town. A Picnic ground popular for public gatherings probably saw its most exciting day in an 1856 Presidential rally. By 1855, railroad service had been established from Salem to Opelika and Columbus, Georgia.
Local tradition maintains that a district courthouse was built in Salem to serve upper Russell County. The building still stands. When Lee was created on December 5, 1866, Salem became a part of the new county and received the second highest vote total for seat of government. The first three Lee County Probate Judges came from Old Russell County.
Two and one half miles east of this site is Wacoochee Covered Bridge, the last remaining Kissin bridge in Lee County and one
this page online
Erected 1979 by Historic Chattahoochee Commission and the Lee County Historical Society.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Settlements & Settlers. A significant historical date for this entry is December 5, 1866.
Location. 32° 35.91′ N, 85° 14.45′ W. Marker is in Salem, Alabama, in Lee County. It is at the intersection of U.S. 280 and County Road 633, on the right when traveling east on U.S. 280. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 8671 U.S Highway 280 East, Salem AL 36874, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in East Alabama and in Greater Columbus. It is also in the American South and specifically in the Deep South. Globally, it is in North America, a Gulf of Mexico state, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture, one of the Confederate States of America, and the Antebellum South.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 9 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Spring Villa (approx. 4.2 miles away); Bean's Mill (approx. 7 miles away); Shady Grove Christian Church (approx. 7.3 miles away); Lebanon Methodist Meeting House (approx. 7.6 miles away); Camp Opelika (approx. 7.8 miles away); Thompson Chapel (approx. 8.2 miles away); J.W. Darden High School (approx. 8.2 miles away); Former Site of J. W. Darden High School (approx. 8.2 miles away).
Regarding Salem, Alabama. The Wacoochee Covered Bridge or better known as the Salem Shotwell Bridge
Photographed by Tim & Renda Carr, January 16, 2011
2. Salem, Alabama Marker (Side B)
Photographed by Tim & Renda Carr, January 16, 2011
3. Salem, Alabama Marker across from the Salem Volunteer Fire Department
Photographed by Tim & Renda Carr, January 16, 2011
4. Salem, Alabama Marker located in front of Salem United Methodist Church
Photographed by Tim & Renda Carr, January 16, 2011
5. Salem United Methodist Church founded in the 1840's
Photographed by Tim & Renda Carr, January 16, 2011
6. Salem First Baptist Church founded 1845
Photographed by Tim & Renda Carr, January 16, 2011
7. The Askew Hotel built in 1838
Photographed by Tim & Renda Carr, January 16, 2011
8. Old Salem Antiques Store circa 1840's served Salem as General Store, Depot, & Cotton Warehouse
Credits. This page was last revised on November 20, 2024. It was originally submitted on January 21, 2011, by Timothy Carr of Birmingham, Alabama. This page has been viewed 5,205 times since then and 144 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8. submitted on January 21, 2011, by Timothy Carr of Birmingham, Alabama. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.
