You will find US 62, US 62 Business and SR 9 running through Salem.

The first settler to the area came here around 1839 and decided to stake the land grant claim received for serving in the War of 1812 near Pilot Knob after seeing the site. Two years after the organization of Fulton county the city, at the time called Pilot Hill, was selected as the county seat in the Summer of 1844. Around 1872 the city's name was changed to Salem. Prior to the Civil War no businesses were established in Salem and even after the war growth was slow and for a time the city did not have a governing body until around 1927 when the city was reincorporated. On July the Fourth of each year the Chamber of Commerce of Salem sponsors food and music at Salem City park after which there will be a fireworks display. Fulton County Fair Summer Demolition Derby is held in the middle of June at the Fulton County Fairgrounds arena. This event is open to all men and women, 16 years of age or older who of course have a driver's license and there are cash prizes; but there is an entry fee.