Salem | |
---|---|
1820 Methodist Church in Salem
|
|
Salem shown within Eastern Cape | |
Coordinates: 33°28′17″S 26°29′00″E / 33.47139°S 26.48333°ECoordinates: 33°28′17″S 26°29′00″E / 33.47139°S 26.48333°E | |
Country | South Africa |
Province | Eastern Cape |
District | Sarah Baartman |
Municipality | Makana |
PO box | 6150 |
Salem is a settlement in South Africa, about 20 kilometres (12 mi) south of Grahamstown and 20 kilometres (12 mi) north of Alexandria. It was founded as a settlement of the Sephton party of 1820 Settlers. The name is of biblical origin () and means 'peace'; the local application refers to a reconciliation between sects.
A church built form mud blocks and thatch was consecrated in 1824, and replaced by a stone structure in 1832. The church often served as a refuge for women and children during the Frontier Wars. Several settler houses, built in the Georgian style, have been preserved.