Welcome to the historical City of Salem, Virginia! In 1752 Andrew Lewis built a fort to protect the area resident and later distinguished himself in the Revolutionary and French Indian Wars. In the early 1800's Salem became the Governmental Seat for Roanoke County and the home of Roanoke College in 1847. The battle of Hanging Rock was also fought here during the Civil War.
Besides history, the City of Salem offers a small town ambiance and the friendly atmosphere well known in southwest Virginia. The City boasts a Farmer's Market, a Civic Center, the Moyer Sports Complex, a museum and "The Olde Salem Days" festival. It is a Mecca of antique malls, quaint boutiques and cafes. For those who wish to live in a local hometown environment and yet be minutes to a big City-Salem is the ideal location
Visitors crossing the city limits into Salem are greeted by signs proclaiming "State AA Football Champions -- 1996, 1998, 1999, State AA Basketball Champions -- 1994, 1999; State AA Tennis Champions -- 1993, 1994; State AA SOFTBALL Champions -- 1994; State AA Women's Volleyball Champions -- 1998" and, finally, "The Pride of Salem Marching Band." This entrance leaves little doubt that the charming, proud town is actually a hotbed of sports-centered activity.
Salem is also home to the Colorado Rockies farm team, the Salem Avalanche. It hosts the Amos Alonzo Stagg Bowl, the NCAA's Division III football championship. According to one web site devoted to the event, "No city can stage a National Collegiate Athletic Association championship better than Salem, Virginia. NCAA championship weeks in Salem rival the pomp and circumstance of the Presidential Inauguration. In fact, there have been some presidents that wish they received the same treatment a Division III student-athlete receives in Salem."
The heart of Salem is a bustling downtown filled with antique shops and an active farmers market. Off of Main Street, explorers will find tree-lined streets with delightful antebellum- and Victorian-style homes. Salem's other centerpiece is Roanoke College. Established in 1842, this four-year private liberal arts college is nationally renowned for its national lecture series. Take a stroll through the quiet campus and enjoy the lovely landscaping.
Other attractions include the Salem Fair, the state's second largest fair, which runs 11 days at the end of June and running into July. Olde Salem Days, held on the second Saturday of September, is one of the largest arts and crafts fairs in the Southeast.
Landmarks: Brooks-Bryd Pharmacy, a downtown Salem institution, is a corner drug store that makes old-fashioned orange, lemon and lime aids from their soda fountain with fresh fruit juice over crushed ice. Across the street is the Farmers Market, a hub of activity during most mornings -- particularly on summer Saturdays.
20th-century notable: Stagg Bowl XXVIII will mark the eighth consecutive year Salem and the Old Dominion Athletic Conference have co-hosted the NCAA Division III National Football Championship. The event has been awarded to Salem through 2003.
Population: 24,747.
Median home price: $70.100.
Median household income: $40,000
Taxes: $1.18 per $100 of assessed real estate value.
