Located near scenic waterways, Salem Missouri is a favorite senior vacation area.

Salem MO History

Some of the first settlers to Salem came in 1829. Land could be purchased for five cents or less an acre. The first mayor of Salem was appointed in 1860. He was W.P. Williams, often referred to as “Rip” for the often violent expression of his feelings and opinions. Soon after, the Civil War brought Salem a brief moment of fame. A small detachment of Union solders from Rolla was housed in Salem. At dawn on Dec. 3, 1861, they were surprised by Confederates. A lively skirmish ensued and the Rebels were fought off. This “victory” loomed large since the Confederates had dominated early in the war. Leslie’s Weekly, the Life magazine of its day, printed a double page wood block artist’s rendering of “The Battle of Salem.” Six Yankee and 16 Confederate soldiers were killed. The Confederates later retaliated by entering the city and burning the county courthouse.

Salem Missouri – Waterfront Vacation Area

Today, Salem Missouri is promoted as the "Gateway to the Ozark Riverways". The White River trail was used by Indians in Dent County and later became one of the branches of the Trail of Tears used by many Cherokees on their forced trek to Oklahoma. Each year seniors and families on vacation come to Salem to admire and enjoy the Ozark National Scenic Riverways, Montauk State Park, the Current River, the Mark Twain National Forest and Indian Trail Conservation Area.