New Salem's Secret Paradox

Nestled deep in the Massachusetts countryside, the New Salem Common Historic District might seem like just another New England town on the outside. But look closer, and you'll find an unexpected twist to this seemingly ordinary place. This town's common isn't round - it's rectangular, a rarity among otherwise classic colonial villages. But how did this happen? What makes New Salem's common so unique?

The town was settled in 1737, and the original common was laid out at the same time. The land was originally granted by Salem, Massachusetts to the new settlers. The town flourished in the 18th century, with agriculture and lumber drives providing the backbone of its economy. But by the 19th century, New Salem's fortunes shifted as the railroads bypassed the town, leaving it to stagnate. As the town's economy declined, so did its population, leaving only a small group of hardy residents to maintain the town's charm.

But while the town might have declined, the common remains a testament to a simpler time. The New Salem Common Historic District spans 35 acres and includes 43 historic buildings. The First Congregational Church, built in 1794, is a stunning example of colonial architecture, and the town halls from 1838 and 1909 show the evolving design and needs of the community. The New Salem Academy, with its buildings dating back to the early 19th century, adds a layer of educational history to the district.

Nestled among these historical buildings is a memorial to William Stacy, an early settler who served in the American Revolutionary War and settled in the Ohio Country. Today, the common serves as a peaceful green space for visitors and locals alike to enjoy, a reminder of New Salem's rich history and unique rectangular common.

Sources: Wikipedia, OpenStreetMap, Wikidata, Wikimedia Commons