Image - President Washington was a man of his word

President George Washington made a promise to personally visit every state which had ratified the Constitution. To fulfill this promise he made three journeys known as the “Eastern Tour” (1789); the "Long Island Tour” (1791); and the “Southern Tour” (1791). 

The Southern Tour was the longest and

covered the most ground. The tour took almost 3 months and covered 1,887 miles. It was on this tour that the President made his visit to Salem - staying in the Salem tavern for two nights lodging. 

An entry in his personal diary informs the reader of his activity on June 1st, 1791.

“Having received information that (NC) governor Martin was on his way to meet me; and would be in Salem this evening, I resolved to await his arrival at this place instead of halting a day at Guilford (Greensboro) as I had intended; spent the forenoon in visiting the shops of the different Tradesmen. The houses of accommodation for single men and Sisters of the Fraternity — and their place of worship. Invited six of their principal people to dine with me — and in the evening went to hear them sing and perform on a variety of Instruments Church music. 

In the evening Governor Martin as expected … arrived.”