The origin of the town of Salem dates back to January 1753, when the Moravians selected a settlement site which they called Muddy Creek du Wachau. Winston thrived as an industrial town, producing tobacco products, furniture and textiles and was designated the county seat in 1851.

In 1913 the two towns of Winston and Salem merged to form the twin city of Winston-Salem. Old Salem was founded in 1776 by Moravians, a devout Germanic people who came to North Carolina from Pennsylvania in order to teach their religion to Indians. The original town of Salem (Salem is Hebrew for Peace), has been restored to its original beauty, showcasing the Moravians skills as laborers and the very well constructed buildings. The majority of their buildings constructed prior to the 1830’s are still standing.