In the early 1700s, the Roanoke Valley attracted settlers drawn to salt licks that sustained wildlife and drew hunters. Europeans recorded the area in 1671 as “Totero Town,” named for the local Totero people. By 1802, pathways through here became part of the Great Road westward, and a formal town layout followed in 1806. Salem served travelers and farmsteads long before modern roads, later growing in 1953 through annexation. It became an independent city on December 31, 1967.  Today, Salem counts about 25,500 residents, and its past remains visible in its centuries-old markers and courthouse buildings.

Outdoor recreation in Salem draws from both its geography and its history. The city hosts the Amos Alonzo Stagg Bowl football championship in its stadium, reflecting a tradition of sports prominence. Nearby hiking routes trace old trading paths across the surrounding hills, where signs reference colonial-era fords and mills. Downtown, guided walking tours pass the Greek Revival-era Williams–Brown House and Store, built around 1837 and now housing the Salem Museum in the original general store.

The city comes alive with distinctive annual events that reflect its community spirit. Late June into early July brings the Salem Fair, the largest free agricultural fair in Virginia, featuring live music, fireworks, petting zoos, and commercial exhibits. In December, the city hosts the Holiday Tree Lighting accompanied immediately by the Christmas Parade, followed the next day by the Gingerbread Festival and Salem Crafty Christmas market—crafters and bakers share handmade goods and greenery. In September, Olde Salem Days transforms downtown with antique vendors, live music, and a classic car show, giving residents a lively weekend of shopping and history.

The business community includes operations with distinctive stories. Shrewd Outdoors, an archery and outdoor gear store launched by a local manufacturer, offers equipment alongside a lounge serving coffee and beer, connecting retail with the region’s outdoor culture. 2nd On Main offers vintage craftsmanship, hand-blown glass, and a revival of old-fashioned orangeade made from a recipe once served at Brooks-Byrd Pharmacy, tying modern retail to community nostalgia.

Food here is grounded in both comfort and creativity. Joe’s Deli is known for its oversize Reubens, pastrami sandwiches, tuna salad subs, and corned-beef hoagies, all prepared with attention to flavor and consistency. Abrakababra, a Mediterranean café, serves falafel, lamb gyros, baklava, and Greek salad, each made with fresh sauces and traditional preparation. Together, they highlight two sides of the dining culture—one rooted in hearty familiarity, the other in international flavor.

Historical markers throughout the city tell stories of conflict and education. Salem was attacked twice during the Civil War, and its artillery unit is believed to have fired the Confederacy’s last shot before Appomattox. Education has long played a role in its development; Roanoke College moved here in the mid-19th century, and Elizabeth College, a women’s school, operated until the early 1920s before being lost to fire. As the seat of Roanoke County, Salem has retained a civic role while remaining administratively independent.

Some of Salem’s oldest buildings have survived for generations, a testament to the value of consistent upkeep. Star City Crawl Space helps protect that legacy with crawl space cleaning, drainage installation, vapor barrier placement, and mold remediation. Contact us today for more information.