SALEM — Ute Indians called it Summer Spring, early settlers named it Pond Town.
Settled: in the spring of 1851, incorporated in 1886.
The artesian well that bubbled up through the sand in a tree-shaded hollow became the central feature of the pioneer settlement that was to become Salem.
The name of Salem came from the birthplace of pioneer and early settler Lyman Curtis of Salem, Mass.
Payson's first LDS bishop, David Fairbanks, and David Crockett discovered the artesian well. As they continued to explore they found a large, clear stream flowing through the hollow and emptying into swamplands. Soon they moved their families in and built the first dam to conserve the water, and Pond Town was almost born. In 1852 the pair built a second and better dam but then abandoned the settlement to move on to Payson.
The town really got its start in 1856 when settlers discouraged with the drought and alkali soil in Palmyra decided to start over. They purchased the Fairbanks-Crockett interest in the pond and moved in.
Population: 5,000 residents
Household income: $54,812.
Size: 5.3 square miles.
Largest employer: Neways manufacturing with more than 500 employees.
Interesting historical notes: The "Dream Mine" of John Hyrum Koyle, a lso called the "Relief Mine," is near Salem and is believed to contain ancient records and precious ingots.
Outstanding features: Salem Pond
Outstanding events: Lighting candles over the graves in the city cemetery on Christmas Eve, the Christmas decorations floating on Salem Pond and Salem Days, Aug. 7-14.