Salisbury was established and incorporated in 1741,[1][3] and contains several historic homes, though some were replaced by larger modern structures in the late 20th century.

From before the American Revolution, through the Federal Period of the nation, and until circa 1920, Salisbury was the seat of an important iron industry.

[5] Additional iron mines were opened, mostly in the western end of the town, although historian Diana Muir dismisses them as "scarcely big enough to notice," with the further disadvantage of not being near a river large enough to ship iron to market at a reasonable cost.

This fetched a high price and made Salisbury iron the celebrated choice of Connecticut's early nineteenth-century arms industry[6] as well as the preeminent source of cast-iron railroad car wheels until they were superseded by steel wheels.

Peter P. Everts, an agent of the mid-19th-century mines, however, stated the quality of Salisbury iron varied.

[8] Scoville Library in Salisbury was the first in the United States open to the public free of charge.

Taconic is located in the northern section of Salisbury and is a seasonal community of approximately 200 in population, with a town green and US post office.

Historically the areas of Joyceville, Ore Hill, Hammertown, Weatogue and Twin Lakes were recognized as separate communities but are no longer.

The well-known automobile racing course of Lime Rock Park is in the southeast corner of Salisbury.

The Salisbury Sampler is a 10-issue-per-year newsletter of community events, notices and news edited by the office of the Selectmen and mailed to all households.

The Salisbury Association publishes a bi-annual newsletter covering the land trust, historical and civic committees news and activities.