Salem, Indiana
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Salem is a city in Washington County, Indiana, United States. The population was 6,172 at the 2000 census. The city is the county seat of Washington County[Geographic references#6GR6]. It is the home of Salem Speedway.
History
Morgan's Raid
Confederate cavalry under John Hunt Morgan had departed Kentucky on what became known as Morgan's Raid. They reached Salem on July 10, 1863, coming north from Corydon. Upon entering Salem at 9 a.m.,, they immediately took possession of the town and placed guards over the stores and streets. The cavalrymen burned the large brick railroad depot, along with all the cars on the track and the railroad bridges on each side of the town. They demanded taxes from the two flour mills that belonged to DePaw and Knight, and from the Allen Wollen Mill. Morgan's men looted stores and took about $500 from the area before departing about 3 p.m.Of the brief action at Salem, Col. Basil W. Duke, a Morgan staff officer, later said:
"They did not pillage with any sort of method or reason; it seemed to be a mania, senseless and purposeless. One man carried for two days a bird cage containing three canaries. Another rode with a huge chafing dish on the pommel of his saddle. Although the weather was intensely warm, another slung seven pairs of skates around his neck. I saw very few articles of real value taken; they pillaged like boys robbing an orchard."
Famous residents
Birth Place of Secretary of State John Hay.Roy Robertson invented the process for making 2% milk while working at the Salem Creamery where it was first produced and marketed.
Political Positions
Mayor - Judy ChastainClerk Treasure - Patricia Persinger
City Council At-Large - Nancy Fultz
City Council 1st District - Mark Hobson
City Council 2st District - Pete Brown
City Council 3st District - Ginger Morris
City Council 4st District - Wally Terkhorn
Geography
Salem is located at (38.604124, -86.098801)[Geographic references#1GR1].According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 10.1 km² (3.9 mi²). 10.1 km² (3.9 mi²) of it is land and 0.1 km² (0.04 mi²) of it (0.51%) is water.
Demographics
As of the census[Geographic references#2GR2] of 2000, there were 6,172 people, 2,555 households, and 1,635 families residing in the city. The population density was 612.6/km² (1,586.8/mi²). There were 2,745 housing units at an average density of 272.5/km² (705.7/mi²). The racial makeup of the city was 98.74% White, 0.03% African American, 0.21% Native American, 0.24% Asian, 0.08% from other races, and 0.70% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.42% of the population.There were 2,555 households out of which 29.2% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 47.4% were married couples living together, 12.3% had a female householder with no husband present, and 36.0% were non-families. 32.1% of all households were made up of individuals and 15.7% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.29 and the average family size was 2.84.
In the city the population was spread out with 22.4% under the age of 18, 9.8% from 18 to 24, 27.1% from 25 to 44, 21.2% from 45 to 64, and 19.4% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 38 years. For every 100 females there were 86.2 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 83.0 males.
The median income for a household in the city was $29,256, and the median income for a family was $37,179. Males had a median income of $27,521 versus $21,952 for females. The per capita income for the city was $16,299. About 8.5% of families and 11.6% of the population were below the poverty line, including 14.6% of those under age 18 and 5.7% of those age 65 or over.
Salem, Indiana is a quiet, small town in Southern Indiana, surrounded by rolling hills and farms. It has become a bedroom community for the Greater Louisville, Kentucky area, as well as supplying workers for nearby Bedford and Seymour to the North. There is an old-fashioned small town feel. Many residents are greeted by name where they shop and do business. The town square surrounding the old courthouse still in use (which is one of the loveliest left standing in Indiana) is filled with antiques stores, boutiques, lovely small restaurants and the occasional Attorney's office. Unusual in a town this size is the new Riley Park for Children. Built in 2002, it boasts two and three story fanciful castles and other structures for children's play, along with more expected swings and slides. In September the town celebrates "Old Settler's Day" at the Stevens Museum on Market St. Set in village of authentic Log structures, the festival features reenactors and local Juried art and crafts.
References
- Indiana Historical Commission. Archaeological and Historical Survey of Washington County (August 1924). Wm. B. Burford
External links
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