The SALEM Story !

Salem is the fifth largest city in Tamil Nadu and one of the all-time favorite spots in the state. It is home to some of the oldest temples of the country as well as for its huge industries like steel and hand weaving, making the city a perfect blend of industry as well as culture.The beautiful city of Salem is surrounded by hills on all four sides. Salem is further separated by the mighty Thirumanimuthar River into two portions. With a long list of attractions including Tharmangalam and the grand Metur Dam and close proximity to other places in the state make Salem one of the most attractive and convenient tourist destinations.

Name of SALEM !

Derived from the word ‘SAILAM” meaning surrounded by mountains. These mountains have played an important role in Salem’s Industrial Development. The city is also famous for its stainless steel, magnesite and handloom textiles. Kottai Mariamman Temple and Sugavaneswarar Temple located in the heart of the town cannot be missed.

History

Salem Municipality was formed in 1866. (1.11.1855). It will be 157 years since Salem Municipality was formed. Salem Day is observed along with it.Salem, which was under the rule of the Chera kings, came under the Mysore Empire. Salem district came under the East India Company as per the treaty made with Tippusultan who lost the war. After that the British played an important role in the development of Salem.Here is the history of the parts of Salem that are still in the name of the British…

🔸 The road from the Collector’s Office to Mulluvadi Gate is named Bretts Road after Harry Augustus Bretts, who was the Collector of Salem from 1853 to 1862.

🔸 In honor of C.T. Langley (CTLONGLY) who was the collector from 1870 to 1881, the road in Sewwaipet market area was named as Langley Road.

🔸 The wholesale trade area of ​​Salem was operating in a cramped space. Leigh, who was the collector from 1914 to 1919, created a separate market area. For that he was named Lee Bazar.

🔸 From 1857 to 1866, Salem District Judge was JWCherry. He built buildings all over Salem district for the Department of Justice. The road from Salem Astampatti to Valluvar statue was named Cherry Road in honor of him for his outstanding work.

🔸 Paul, who was the collector at that time, created a market area for the people who trade in vegetables and milk. Paul Market is still called after him.

🔸 The huts of the lower class people who lived in today’s Karuvatu Palam area were washed away whenever there was a flood. JOHNSON, who was a police officer at that time, built a hut (residence) for those people. It is still called Johnsonpet after him.

🔸 The oldest soda company in Tamil Nadu is Vincent Soda Company, which was created by an English businessman Vincent (VINCENT) in Salem. Then it came under Indian possession. Even today, the area where the company was located is called Vincent. At the same time, the name of a British officer named Vincent is also said.

These and other names like today’s Line Road, Benson Line, Military Road, Judge Road, Pearlands, Gun Buring Street (Bombing Street) were given by the British.Many of the British officers who ruled Salem lived and died in Salem after their retirement. Their graves are still standing today opposite the Salem Collector’s Office near Mattu Hospital and Yercaud.After the British, leaders like Rajaji, freedom fighter Vijayagopalasari, modern theater Sundaram created by MGyar, Karunanidhi, Kannadasan etc. etc. made Salem proud.