New Salem, Texas

Before the United States Civil War New Salem was settled by planters. The town was named "Salem" by Oscar Wilson, in honor of his former home in Victoria County, Texas. A malaria outbreak diminished the communities population. However, the towns population began to expand in the 1850s with the town being officially incorporated in 1856. A post office was established in 1849, the postmaster was Poindexter Payne. In 1855 the population was 100 and decreased to 85 by 1896. The town had three stores, two flour mills, and a Baptist church. The post office was shut down in 1955 when and the mail was redirected to Henderson, Texas. The population remained stable at 180 from the 1920s through the 1960s. However, by 1970 the population had decreased to 31. In the 2000 United States Census the population was 55.[2][3]