Editing Salem, Connecticut (section)

=== Pre-incorporation ===
The area was originally inhabited by the [[Mohegan people]]. The first settlement of [[Europe]]an origin in present-day Salem (then part of the town of [[Montville, Connecticut|Montville]]) was deeded in 1664. The settlers were of [[England|English]] origin. In the early 18th century, more settlements appeared in what was then [[Colchester, Connecticut|Colchester]]. During this time period, the area was called "Paugwonk". The small neighborhood around the Gardner Lake Firehouse on [[Connecticut Route 354|Route 354]] is sometimes still referred to by that name.

Because of the remote location of these settlements and the considerable distance to [[church (building)|churches]], the people petitioned the Connecticut General Court for a new parish in 1725. It was named New Salem Parish, in honor of Colonel Samuel Browne, the largest landowner at the time, who was from [[Salem, Massachusetts]]. Recent archaeological evidence suggests that Colonel Browne owned [[Slavery in the colonial United States|slave]]s and operated one of the largest slave plantations in New England. The people of New Salem strongly supported the [[Patriot (American Revolution)|Patriot]] cause in the [[American Revolution|Revolution]].  Salem was the first town in the state of Connecticut to have a plantation, owned by the Browne family.