Winston-Salem City Government History

The following links are compilations of historical documentation on the history of Salem, Winston and Winston-Salem.

Information from 1766 - 1966 was compiled by Robert W. Neilson, a retired director of Public Works, to commemorate the 200th anniversary of Winston-Salem. Information on Salem was gathered from the "Records of the Moravians in North Carolina" from 1766-1913. Information also came from the "History of Wachovia in North Carolina" by John Henry Clewel Ph.D.

Information from 1913-1966 for Winston-Salem was gathered from the Minute Books of the Board of Commissioners. Other information was gathered from old newspaper clippings, including the scrapbook of Mayor Richard J. Reynolds. The writer also included comments based upon his observation and personal knowledge of events occurring during the time period due to his employment in the Public Works Department from 1914-1965.

Information from 1966-1999 for Winston-Salem was gathered from Minute Books of the Board of Alderman and compiled by J. R. Snider, former city employee from 1973 - 2004.

John Gold: Chief of Police, City Manager [pdf/2p]

Salem 1763-1792 [pdf] - Includes: formation of Salem; water works plans; Tavern burns.

Salem 1793-1803 [pdf] - Includes: after-school work for boys; construction of Salem Church; problems with the water system.

Salem 1804-1822 [pdf] - Includes: notes on currency; Benjamin Forsyth visits; population growth through 1824.

Salem 1823-1839 [pdf] - Includes: Fire Department; construction of Shallowford Rd.; cotton mill to be built. 

Salem 1840-1849 [pdf] - Includes: slavery issues; first lot in Winston purchased; Forsyth County formed.

Salem 1850-1876 [pdf] - Includes: Small Pox ordinance; Stoneman's calvary comes to Salem; new map of Salem and Winston completed.