This Salem is not to be confused with the three other cities in the state with the same name, this sweet, little town with a population of less than 1,500 is located in Fulton County.
Now, back to Mr. Morris, as he made the trek to Salem, it was hard not to notice the town nestled in the valley at the foot of the highest peak in the area, Pilot Knob.
Pilot Knob, or “The Knob” as locals call it is one of the most scenic spots in the Salem area, and has an elevation of 441 feet above Hwy 9.
According to locals, it has always been a challenge to hike, and the Arkansas Forestry Service erected a 47 foot tower overlooking the area.
Sadly, it was closed in 1948, but while it was open, picnic tables and seats were contructed around the area with native stone. Making it a nice getway for visitors and locals of the area.
The Town Branch of Salem is lucky enough to catch run off from Pilot Knob and that flows into the southern fork of the Spring River, creating some magnificent landscapes to the area.
Once Morris settled, he laid stake in Salem with his war of 1812 Land Grant Claim, and offered Fulton County land in order to create county buildings and the chance to grow.
On July 4, 1844, Salem became the official county seat of the county, by November 1844, the first post office was established and throughout the years the courthouse went from a log building to two story framed structure built in 1870.
Sadly, by 1890, that structure burned, yet the present day courthouse was erected in 1892 and only cost $9,975. That says quite a bit about construction back in the day as this building is still standing today with the help of many original bricks from the previous structure.
Salem continued to grow and thrive, and the city was officially incorporated in 1902 with an official seal. Yet, records state, there was a period of time when the city was without a governing body until 1927.
In 1927, Salem was reincorporated with a newly elected mayor and councilmen, bringing with it new life, an impressive infrastructure of water, sewer and modern fire protection. Giving those in charge a chance to create more in the way of business recreation.
In early 1900, medical doctors began practicing in the area with Dr. J.L. Weathers opening a practice in 1909, and Dr. O.S. Woods in 1917.
Both doctors were considered “country doctors” according to historical documents because they traveled throughout the area making home visits and delivering babies.
Throughout the years, other doctors like Dr. Guenthner came to the area in the 1950s, and was able to open an actual clinic. Making way for other doctors to come to the area and keep the practice alive.
In 1876, a man names Jesse Matthews started the county’s first newspaper called “The Informer”, later James T. Hall established the “Sentinel-Republican in 1898 which ran for fifteen years before the name was changed to “The Salem Sun”.
Communication was vital to the area once the city began moving forward, and the first telephone lines in Salem were brought available to the public in 1890. According to historians, the lines were strung from Salem to Mammoth Spring, and one operator controlled all communication for the area until Century Phone took over.
The city is no stranger to devastating events as a tornado ripped through the area in 1947 after a beautiful sunny day. Around 5 p.m., the sky got dark and a tornado was spotted approacing Salem from the southwest and continued to make a path through a residential section of town.
Mostly residential homes were leveled, the business district wasn’t hit hard and the school was spared any damage.
Luckily, people from surrounding communites came to help clean and rebuild, and in spite of all of this, Salem continued to prosper and stay a great place to live.
Salem went on to build a city park, civic center, airport and a police station as well. The city park is home to a walking trail, volleyball court, picnic pavilions children s play area and a lake stocked with fish.
If you like sports, Salem’s Preacher Roe Park has baseball and softball fields and a basketball court. In fact, baseball has been a long standing historical pastime for the area with the first documented game being in 1880.
The area is also known for the arts and being home to The Fulton County Singing Convention which was organized to take place on the first Sunday in June.
The first convention took place in 1911 with groups of singers from all over the area would meet in Salem, and it was held on the first Sunday in June until 1949 when the name was changed to “Old Timers Day”. This event was a way for those who had moved away to have a homecoming and celebrate with old friends and family.
Salem is also surrounded by natural beauty, and is lucky enough to be near some great sites in the state.
Less that 20 miles away northeast, visitors can enjoy Mammoth Spring State Park and Lake Norfork is a little over 30 miles from the city.
So, don’t let the lack of population ever fool you when you point your finger on a map, small treasures are everywhere, and Salem is truly a treasure!
Karin Huffman is an Independence County native who graduated from Cushman High School in 1996. Traveling throughout the state is one of her passions, along with writing about her adventures.
Taking over as travel writer for the Ozark Gateway Region is a dream come true for Huffman who lives in the region with her husband Nathan, two daughters, Grace and Stella and son Kaden.
As a family, they enjoy canoeing the Poke Bayou, Salado Creek and the many waterways along the White River in Independence County. Camping and hiking throughout the region is a must for them in the spring and fall as well.
Huffman is an avid nature photographer who will do just about anything to find the perfect waterfall shot, and has visited many in the great state. From Twin Falls and the Richland Creek area in Northwest Arkansas to little known places off the beaten path, waterfalls will be found.
Huffman has been a travel writer for the Eye on Independence Magazine as well as a staff writer for the Batesville Guard, and is looking forward to devoting her time to traveling throughout the eight county region that the Ozark Gateway offers.
If you would like to contact Huffman about an adventure or would like to know how to get more information out about your area, contact her at 870-307-5473 or karinozarkgateway@sbcglobal.net.