Winston-Salem Travel Guide

Introduction

104 miles W of Raleigh

In 1913, the twin communities of Winston and Salem were incorporated into a single city. Winston, founded in 1849, contributed an industry-based economy, whereas Salem added an emphasis on education and crafts, and the sense of order that its Moravian settlers brought from Pennsylvania in 1766. The union has proved to be happy and productive.

Salem (the name comes from the Hebrew word shalom, meaning "peace") was the last of three settlements established in the Piedmont by Moravian clergymen and laymen in the early 1750s; the little towns of Bethabara and Bethania came first. The hardworking newcomers were devout people who had fled persecution in Europe and brought to the New World their artisans' skills, a deep love of music and education, and an absolute rejection of violence in any form.

In the 20th century, "progress" encroached on the boundaries of the beautiful old congregational town. But in 1949, an organized restoration effort was begun,...