Salem, Ohio

Salem was founded by a New Jersey clockmaker, Zadok Street, and a Pennsylvanian potter, John Straughan, in 1806. The city was named after Salem, New Jersey, Street's native community. The name Salem itself is a biblical derivative of Jerusalem in the Middle East, which means "city of peace".{{Cite web|url=https://cityofsalemohio.org/community/salem-ohio-history/|title=Salem Ohio History|access-date=October 20, 2021}} The city's early settlers included the Religious Society of Friends, also known as Quakers, which the local school district's sports teams honor by referring to themselves collectively as the Salem Quakers.The girls' and boys' teams' individual mascots are known as the "Quaker Lady" (or "Quaker Sadie") and "Quaker Sam," respectively.The team nickname (and, possibly, the American tradition of placing the word "Fighting" in front of such nicknames) was noted by USA Today as one of several "that could be considered offensive". See "What's in a Nickname?" USA Today, October 23, 1991, Sports section, 06C. Salem was incorporated in 1830.{{cite book | url=https://books.google.com/books?id=OeA4AQAAMAAJ&pg=PA208 | title=History of Columbiana County, Ohio: With Illustrations and Biographical Sketches of Some of Its Prominent Men and Pioneers | publisher=Unigraphic | author=Mack, Horace | year=1879 | pages=208}}

Salem was a center of abolitionist and suffragist activity in the 19th century. The Anti-Slavery Bugle, an abolitionist newspaper, was published in Salem beginning in 1845.[http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn83035487/ Anti-Slavery Bugle], Chronicling America: Historic American Newspapers. Library of Congress. A local group of the Progressive Friends, an association of Quakers who separated from the main body partly to be freer to work for such causes as abolitionism and women's rights, formed in Salem in 1849.Thomas, Allen C., (November 1920). "Congregational or Progressive Friends". Bulletin of Friends' Historical Society of Philadelphia, Vol. 10, No. 1. [https://books.google.com/books?id=GEBHAQAAMAAJ&pg=RA3-PA28 p. 28]. The local school board at that time was composed entirely of abolitionists.Isenberg (1998), [https://books.google.com/books?id=l3wSH1AcTn8C&pg=PA216 p. 216]. Salem was the site of an annual conference, the Anti-Slavery Fair, whose purpose was to raise money for anti-slavery activities.{{cite news |title=An Ohio Man's Story |newspaper=St. Louis Globe-Democrat (St. Louis, Missouri) |date=April 22, 1888 |page=32

|via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/68891600/coppocs-tomb-john-browns-raid/}} The Daniel Howell Hise House and John Street House were stops on the Underground Railroad.{{cite web|url=https://www.wkbn.com/hidden-history/black-history-month/underground-railroad-homes-still-exist-in-salem/ |title=Underground Railroad homes still exist in Salem |author=Thompson, Jacob |publisher=WKBN |date=February 23, 2024 |access-date=April 3, 2025 }}{{cite web|url=https://www.farmanddairy.com/news/salem-abolitionists-efforts-saluted/5031.html |title=Salem abolitionist’s efforts saluted |publisher=Farm and Dairy |date=May 8, 2003 |access-date=April 3, 2025 }}

In April 1850, Salem hosted the first Women's Rights Convention in Ohio, the third such convention in the United States (the first two being the Seneca Falls Convention and Rochester Women's Rights Convention of 1848). The Salem Convention was the first of these conventions to be organized on a statewide basis.Wellman, Judith (2008). [https://web.archive.org/web/20151106101245/http://www.nps.gov/wori/learn/historyculture/upload/_7-HRS-SectionI-10-18-08-printed-1EBA.pdf "The Seneca Falls Women's Rights Convention and the Origin of the Women's Rights Movement"], pp. 15, 84. National Park Service, Women's Rights National Historical Park. Wellman is identified as the author of this document [https://www.nps.gov/wori/learn/historyculture/research.htm here]. All the convention officers were women. Men were not allowed to vote, sit on the platform, or speak during the convention. The male spectators were supportive, however, and when the convention was over, they created an organization of their own and endorsed the actions of the women's convention.Stanton, Elizabeth Cady; Anthony, Susan B.; Gage, Matilda Joslyn (1881). History of Woman Suffrage, [https://archive.org/stream/historyofwomansu01stanuoft#page/110/mode/2up p. 110]. Volume 1 of 6. Rochester, NY: Susan B. Anthony (Charles Mann Press).

Advantageously located between Cleveland and Pittsburgh, Salem thrived on an industrial-based economy in the 19th and 20th centuries. For several decades, Salem's largest employers included American Standard Brands, Eljer, Mullins Manufacturing,{{Cite web|date=February 9, 2016|title=History of Mullins Manufacturing Corporation|url=https://mahoninghistory.org/2016/02/09/history-of-mullins-manufacturing-corporation/|access-date=February 3, 2021|website=Mahoning Valley Historical Society|language=en-US}} Deming Pump, and Salem China. Today, American Standard retains production in the city, as well as the Fresh Mark meat production facility and several tool-and-die manufacturers.{{Cite web|title=FRESH MARK, INC. – Salem Area Chamber of Commerce|url=http://www.salemohiochamber.org/directory/fresh-mark-inc/|access-date=February 3, 2021|language=en-US}}

File:South Lincoln Avenue Historic District.JPG]]

Salem is located about {{convert|18|mi|km}} southwest of Youngstown, {{convert|28|mi|km}} east of Canton, and {{convert|60|mi|km}} southeast of Cleveland. According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has an area of {{convert|6.43|sqmi|sqkm|2}}, all land.{{cite web|title=US Gazetteer files 2010|url=https://www.census.gov/geo/www/gazetteer/files/Gaz_places_national.txt|publisher=United States Census Bureau|access-date=January 6, 2013|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120702145235/http://www.census.gov/geo/www/gazetteer/files/Gaz_places_national.txt|archive-date=July 2, 2012}} Salem is the largest incorporated place by area in Columbiana County.

The city is mostly surrounded by unincorporated Perry Township. Salem has annexed portions of Perry Township.{{cite web |url=http://www.cityofsalemohio.org/990316tanner.html |title=Ordinance No. 990316-28 |access-date=July 26, 2008 |publisher=The City of Salem, Ohio |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080819193229/http://www.cityofsalemohio.org/990316tanner.html |archive-date=August 19, 2008 |url-status=dead }}{{cite web |url=http://www.cityofsalemohio.org/000118-07lederle_annex.html |title=Ordinance No. 000118-07 |access-date=July 26, 2008 |publisher=The City of Salem, Ohio |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080819193530/http://www.cityofsalemohio.org/000118-07lederle_annex.html |archive-date=August 19, 2008 |url-status=dead }}{{cite web |url=http://www.massillonohio.com/annex.html |title=City of Massillon Annexation Answer Page |access-date=July 26, 2008 |year=1998 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080613021047/http://www.massillonohio.com/annex.html |archive-date=June 13, 2008 |url-status=dead }} Several acres of Salem Township and Green Township were annexed into the city limits in 2000 and 2001. Other actions to spur economic development undertaken around the same time annexed specific land: in 1999, {{convert|82.24|acre|m2}} of Salem Township were granted police and fire protection, snow removal service, and other city services.This is understood to cover the area including the Wal-Mart Supercenter. See: [http://www.cityofsalemohio.org/991103-74_Walmart_annex_services.html ORDINANCE NO. 991103 – 74] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070927203831/http://www.cityofsalemohio.org/991103-74_Walmart_annex_services.html |date=September 27, 2007 }}, City of Salem

{{US Census population

|1840= 233

|1850= 842

|1860= 1889

|1870= 3700

|1880= 4041

|1890= 5780

|1900= 7582

|1910= 8943

|1920= 10305

|1930= 10622

|1940= 12301

|1950= 12754

|1960= 13854

|1970= 14186

|1980= 12865

|1990= 12233

|2000= 12197

|2010= 12303

|2020= 11915

|footnote={{cite web|title=Population: Ohio|url=http://www2.census.gov/prod2/decennial/documents/03815512v1ch08.pdf|work=1930 US Census|publisher=U.S. Census Bureau|access-date=November 28, 2013}}{{cite web|title=Number of Inhabitants: Ohio|url=https://www2.census.gov/library/publications/decennial/1960/population-volume-1/37749282v1p37_ch02.pdf|date=1960|work=18th Census of the United States|publisher=U.S. Census Bureau|access-date=May 17, 2020}}{{cite web|title=Ohio: Population and Housing Unit Counts|url=https://www.census.gov/prod/cen1990/cph2/cph-2-37.pdf|publisher=U.S. Census Bureau|access-date=May 17, 2020}}

}}

As of the census{{cite web|title=U.S. Census website|url=https://www.census.gov|publisher=United States Census Bureau|access-date=January 6, 2013}} of 2010, there were 12,303 people, 5,272 households, and 3,118 families living in the city. The population density was {{convert|1913.4|PD/sqmi|PD/km2|1}}. There were 5,763 housing units at an average density of {{convert|896.3|/sqmi|/km2|1}}. The racial makeup of the city was 95.9% White, 0.7% African American, 0.2% Native American, 0.4% Asian, 1.6% from other races, and 1.2% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 2.5% of the population.

There were 5,272 households, of which 26.3% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 41.5% were married couples living together, 12.3% had a female householder with no husband present, 5.3% had a male householder with no wife present, and 40.9% were non-families. 34.9% of all households were made up of individuals, and 15.9% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.25 and the average family size was 2.87.

The median age in the city was 42.8 years. 21.2% of residents were under the age of 18; 7.7% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 23.6% were from 25 to 44; 28.3% were from 45 to 64; and 19.1% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the city was 47.9% male and 52.1% female.

As of the census of 2000, there were 12,197 people, 5,146 households, and 3,247 families living in the city. The population density was {{convert|2,228.2|/sqmi|/km2|disp=preunit|people |people|abbr=out}}. There were 5,505 housing units at an average density of {{convert|1,005.7|/sqmi|/km2|abbr=out}}. The racial makeup of the city was 98.35% White, 0.52% African American, 0.09% Native American, 0.34% Asian, 0.02% Pacific Islander, 0.08% from other races, and 0.59% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.54% of the population.

There were 5,146 households, out of which 28.1% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 48.7% were married couples living together, 10.6% had a female householder with no husband present, and 36.9% were non-families. 32.8% of all households were made up of individuals, and 17.1% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.31 and the average family size was 2.92.

In the city the population was spread out, with 22.8% under the age of 18, 8.1% from 18 to 24, 27.4% from 25 to 44, 21.6% from 45 to 64, and 20.1% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 40 years. For every 100 females, there were 84.9 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 81.0 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $30,006, and the median income for a family was $40,191. Males had a median income of $31,630 versus $19,471 for females. The per capita income for the city was $16,579. About 9.8% of families and 11.7% of the population were below the poverty line, including 17.9% of those under age 18 and 9.8% of those age 65 or over.

File:Intersection of Lundy and State - Salem Ohio.jpg

According to the Sustainable Opportunity Development Center in Salem,{{cite web |title=Why Salem? |url=https://sodcenter.com/why-salem |publisher=Sustainable Opportunity Development Center |access-date=November 22, 2022 }} as of 2022, the top employers in the city are:

Two neighborhoods of the city are designated as National Register historic districts: the South Lincoln Avenue Historic District (designated 1993) and the Salem Downtown Historic District (designated 1995), which includes several of the town's monumental and architecturally distinctive homes and businesses.{{NRISref|version=2010a}} Other city properties listed on the National Register of Historic Places include the Burchfield Homestead, home to painter Charles E. Burchfield from ages 5 to 28;{{Cite web |date=March 2, 2022 |title=Grants to cover new coat of paint for Burchfield Homestead |url=https://www.salemnews.net/news/local-news/2022/03/grants-to-cover-new-coat-of-paint-for-burchfield-homestead/ |access-date=April 3, 2025 |website=Salem News}} the Daniel Howell Hise House and John Street House, both Underground Railroad stations; and the First United Methodist Church.

Salem operates under a chartered mayor–council government. Eight council members are elected as a legislature for two-year terms, which constitutes four separate wards, three at-large districts, and a council president.{{cite web|url=https://www.columbiana.boe.ohio.gov/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Columbiana-County-Elected-Officials-2.11.21.pdf|title=2020 General Election Results for Columbiana County|access-date=February 19, 2021|archive-date=June 8, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210608124934/https://www.columbiana.boe.ohio.gov/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Columbiana-County-Elected-Officials-2.11.21.pdf|url-status=dead}} An independently elected mayor serves as an executive. As of 2024, the mayor is Cyndi Baronzzi Dickey (R) and the council president is Sara Baronzzi (R).{{cite web|url=https://cityofsalemohio.org/departments/administrative/ |title= Administrative - City of Salem |author=City of Salem |access-date=October 22, 2022 }}{{cite web|url=https://cityofsalemohio.org/departments/legislative/ |title= Legislative - City of Salem |author=City of Salem |access-date=February 1, 2023 }} The mayor, auditor, treasurer, and law director are all elected to four-year terms.

File:Salem High School, now Kent State branch.jpg building is now used by Kent State University at Salem.]]

Children in Salem are served by the public Salem City School District, which includes three elementary schools, one junior high school, and Salem Senior High School.{{efn|NCES district {{NCES District ID|3910006|district_name=Salem City|ref_name=NCES}}}}{{cite web|url=https://www2.census.gov/geo/maps/DC2020/PL20/st39_oh/schooldistrict_maps/c39029_columbiana/DC20SD_C39029.pdf|title=2020 CENSUS – SCHOOL DISTRICT REFERENCE MAP: Columbiana County, OH|publisher=U.S. Census Bureau|accessdate=February 18, 2023}} The Roman Catholic Diocese of Youngstown operates the private St. Paul Elementary School for grades K-8.

Allegheny Wesleyan College is a private, four-year liberal arts college in Salem that grants bachelor's and associate degrees in ministry and theology-related disciplines.{{cite book |title=Colleges in the Midwest |date=2009 |publisher=Peterson's |isbn=9780768926903 |language=en}}{{cite book |title=The College Board College Handbook |url=https://archive.org/details/isbn_9780874478235 |url-access=registration |date=2009 |publisher=College Board |isbn=9780874478235 |language=en}}

Kent State University operates a satellite campus, Kent State University at Salem, with one building in the city proper and another just outside the city limits in Salem Township. The campus grants associate's degrees and bachelor's degrees, and also offers introductory programs that can be completed at the main campus.

U.S. Route 62 travels around downtown Salem on an east–west route. State Route 9 runs north–south through the city and terminates at its intersection with U.S. 62. State Route 14 travels east–west through Salem, sharing a short concurrency with SR 9 and State Route 173 on State Street. SR 173's eastern terminus is in downtown Salem and travels east–west to Alliance. State Route 344's western terminus is also in downtown Salem and travels east–west to Columbiana.{{Ohio road map|year=2015 |access-date=March 29, 2025 }}

• Dustin Bates, lead singer and songwriter for STARSET and formerly Downplay
• Chalkley Beeson, businessman, musician, lawman, and owner of Long Branch Saloon
• Charles Burchfield, 20th-century painter and visionary artist
• John Allen Campbell, first governor of the Wyoming Territory
• Jason Candle, NCAA football coach for the Toledo Rockets
• Joe Daley, jazz saxophonist, composer, and teacher
• Max Fisher, businessman and philanthropist, served as an advisor to U.S. presidents for Israeli connections
• Alan Freed, disc jockey who coined the term "rock and roll"{{Cite web|date=August 1, 2011|title=Why Is It Called "Rock n' Roll"?|url=https://www.dictionary.com/e/rock-and-roll/|access-date=February 3, 2021|website=Dictionary.com|language=en-US}}
• Sarah Elizabeth Mitchell Guernsey, President General of the Daughters of the American Revolution
• Daniel Howell Hise, diarist and abolitionist whose home was on the Underground Railroad
• Caleb Hunt, a founder of the company that built and operated the historic steamboat Enterprise
• Elisha Hunt, principal founder of the company that built and operated the historic steamboat Enterprise
• Rich Karlis, National Football League placekicker
• Kirk Lowdermilk, National Football League center
• Jerry Meals, Major League Baseball umpire
• Jerri Nielsen, physician who administered a biopsy and chemotherapy to herself in Antarctica
• John Hunt Painter, Quaker abolitionist who sent the firearms to John Brown for the raid on Harper's Ferry
• Marius Robinson, minister, abolitionist and editor of The Anti-Slavery Bugle
• Michael Rulli, member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Ohio's 6th district
• Webster Street, lawyer who served as chief justice of the Arizona Territorial Supreme Court
• Charles C. Williamson, librarian
• Lloyd Yoder, NCAA football tackle and College Football Hall of Fame inductee

• USS Salem (CM-11)

{{notelist}}

{{Reflist}}

{{Commons category}}

{{EB1911 poster|Salem (Ohio)|Salem, Ohio}}

• [http://www.cityofsalemohio.org City website]
• http://www.SODCenter.com Economic Development website
• [https://salemhistoricalsociety.org Salem Historical Society]
• [http://www.salem.lib.oh.us Salem Public Library]
• [http://www.salemohiochamber.org/ Salem Chamber of Commerce]
• [https://books.google.com/books?id=zZmgbfUV8pkC&q=Salem+A+Quaker+City+History Salem A Quaker City History]

{{Columbiana County, Ohio}}

{{Mahoning County, Ohio}}

{{Authority control}}

Category:Cities in Columbiana County, Ohio

Category:Populated places established in 1806

Category:Cities in Mahoning County, Ohio

Category:1806 establishments in Ohio

Category:Cities in Ohio