Christopher Harrison the first Lieutenant Governor of Indiana, was one of Salem’s earliest citizens. His story is a sad one. Early in the nineteenth century he became engaged to Miss Elizabeth Patterson, of Baltimore (Pictured). In 1803, while Christopher was in England on business for his prospective father-in-law, Jerome Bonaparte entered the New York harbor in command of a French frigate. Jerome Bonaparte was Napoleon's younger brother. Later at the home of Samuel Close of Baltimore, one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence, Jerome Bonaparte was introduced to Miss Patterson. Though not yet eighteen she was a reigning belle, ...

Alfred Shrum built this Second Empire house on Hackberry Street in Salem. Three generations of the Shrum family, whose professional work is found in buildings in Washington D.C. as well as San Francisco, helped lend to Salem the atmosphere of a larger more sophisticated town. Owner of a brick yard, the scion of the family, Alfred Shrum came to Salem from Virginia. He had worked as a mason on construction of the east wing of the White House. Through the years, Alfred worked on the Sinclair Woolen Mill, the Washington County Courthouse, the Lyon Block, the streets and sidewalks of Salem. Guy, his son, was involved in construction in San Francisco aft ...

Oliver Perry (O.P) Link at one time worked for Turner Day & Woolworth in their handle factory in Nashville, Tennessee before starting his own handle factory in Salem in 1923. The company manufactured hickory handles for tools such as axes, blades, mallets and hammers. Link handle also had manufacturing facilities in London, Monticello and Princeton Kentucky. In their marketing materials they mention "Each handle is manufactured from immaculate white hand split hickory grown in the famous limestone regions of Indiana and Kentucky. Order the stronger, safer more resilient Link Handle today. " Timber operations for O.P Link Handle company exten ...

Washington County is home to a large number of Amish families. This photo represents a common homestyle Amish farm. Please exercise caution when driving in Washington County as there are many horse and buggies on the roads.

The enchanting retreat of "Anjuna," is nestled in a sprawling 12-acre forest in southern Washington County near Pekin. This modern four-bedroom, three-bathroom luxury cabin features 14 foot floor to ceiling windows, 1000+ square foot deck with hammock, wood burning fireplace and plush tv room. Beyond the creature comfort inside Anjuna there are 12 acres of forest with trails, an outdoor show and a tranquil river which meanders through the property. Come relax and get away at Anjuna! Find more information about reserving the Anjuna River House please see the link below to their listing on AirBnB.

Salem's progressive institutions of learning attracted students from all over Indiana and made Salem a notable center in the early years of the state. Salem was once called the "Athens of the West," a designation attributed due to the number of reputed academies and seminaries within the town. John I. Morrison was the principal architect of this nomination. John was associated with the Hay-Morrison House as the principal of a grammar school located there, he later created the Salem Female Institute and the Washington County Seminary. He was joined by Barnabus Hobbs, a renowned educator and Dr. Benjamin Trueblood, who lectured nationally on world peac ...

Austy's is a locally owned independent bookstore chain offering new books, local artisan foods, and unique gifts, with three locations in Southern Indiana. We offer general book selections at the Lost River Market in Paoli, children's books at the Salem Apothecary on the Square in Salem, and are available for fundraiser and mobile events. Our bookstores are a family run business, woman veteran owned, and welcoming to all who choose to support our mission!