1671History
Europeans first explored the area of Salem in 1671, when the Siouan-speaking Totero people had a village nearby.
1752Military
Fort Lewis, named for General Andrew Lewis, of what is now Roanoke County, was built west of the town in 1752.
1802Government
Salem became a small settlement serving travelers on the Great Road (roughly the same path followed by US-11 and later Interstate 81 today) and was officially founded in 1802, r...
1847Education
In 1847, the Virginia Institute, a boy's preparatory school, moved to Salem from Staunton.
1853Government
It received a college charter in 1853 and was renamed Roanoke College for the Roanoke Valley.
1861Military
The inscription reads: "In Memory of the Confederate Soldiers of Roanoke County, 1861-1865.
1909Military
The monument was erected in 1909 by the Southern Cross Chapter of the United Daughters of the Confederacy to honor Roanoke's Confederate soldiers.
1912Education
Roanoke Women's College, later named Elizabeth College, operated between 1912 and 1922.
1921Education
The college burned in late 1921 and did not reopen.
1953Government
Salem annexed South Salem in 1953 and also an eastern tract in 1960, giving it a population of 16,058 – making it Virginia's largest town at the time.
1967Government
Salem officially became a city on December 31, 1967, to avoid the possibility of annexation into the city of Roanoke.
1976Culture
Since its founding, it has only supported a Democratic candidate once, when Jimmy Carter carried it by 208 votes in 1976.
1993Architecture
The Amos Alonzo Stagg Bowl, the NCAA Division III Football Championship game was held at Salem Football Stadium between 1993 and 2016.
1996Education
Salem High School, is also known for its athletic programs, particularly the football team which has won ten state championships since 1996, and also the forensics team, which h...
2000History
=== 2000 census ===
As of the census of 2000, there were 24,747 people, 9,954 households, and 6,539 families residing in the city.
2007Education
In August 2007, the Salem Football Stadium also hosted the Southwestern Virginia Educational Classic.
2022Education
In 2022, Roanoke College dedicated a highway marker on High Street to honor Kim Kyusik (1881-1950), an influential leader in the Korean independence movement and Roanoke College...