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.
Government Meeting Summaries
Town of Salem History 1763 - 1913
Town of Winston History 1849 - 1913
City of Winston-Salem History 1913-2018
Mayors
Linked below are biographies of the mayors of Salem, Winston and Winston-Salem. The information is not complete. There are mayors for which little to no information has been found. If you have pictures or documentation of any of the mayors, please contact the Marketing & Communications Department at 747-7360.
John Gold: Chief of Police, City Manager [pdf/2p]