[6][7][8] Salem is located a few miles[quantify] north of the Ozark Scenic Riverways and close to Montauk State Park, which contains the headwaters of the Current River.

The name Salem is derived from the Hebrew word Shalom, meaning "peace".

A log courthouse, built c. 1851–1852, was Dent County's first and was located on the Wingfield farm northeast of Salem.

W. P. Williams became the first mayor of Salem in 1860, just after the Missouri State Legislature passed laws regarding the administration of village government.

[10] During the American Civil War, units of the 5th Missouri State Militia would sometimes garrison in Salem.

[13] The town's museums include the Dent County Museum, the Ozark Natural & Cultural Resource Center, the Bonebrake Center of Nature and History, and a historic Downtown Walking Tour.

[14][15] The Dam and Spillway in the Hatchery Area at Montauk State Park, Dent County Courthouse, Lower Parker School, Montauk State Park Open Shelter, Nova Scotia Ironworks Historic District, Old Mill at Montauk State Park, and W.A.

[16] According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 3.18 square miles (8.24 km2), all land.

[21] National Register of Historic Places listings in Dent County, Missouri