OLD SALEM

WHO FOUNDED IT?

The community of Old Salem was technically founded by John Hus. He was a man who committed heresy against some Roman Catholic Church's and was burned at the stake. People who believed he was doing right, formed a group called the Unity of Brethren.

They renamed themselves Moravians and wanted religious freedom. The Moravians would eventually move to North America and more specifically, North Carolina.

WHAT WAS THE PURPOSE?

The original purpose of Old Salem was to provide a safe haven for different religions. Like a lot of people at this time they wanted religious freedom. This is because they kept facing religious persecution from others and eventually grew weary of it all.

WHEN?

The Moravians were formed in 1753 after the death of John Hus believing he was right to against the Roman Catholic Church. At first, they called themselves the unity of brethren. But after moving to England, they somehow caught the name of Moravians.

STILL ACTIVE?

The original group of the Moravians is not still around. It technically stopped in 1913 when they linked up with people from a town called Winston. That group is still around to this day.

WHERE?

WHY?

People would want to live there mainly because of their trading. They had very great goods and trading techniques. Also because if you would move there, you would have religious freedom.

5 FUN/INTERESTING FACTS

• Slaves were slaves under the Moravian church not directly under people.
• Slaves actually had a little freedom and got to be an apprentice to some.

Untitled Slide

• The name of old Salem didn't actually come until 1913.
• The community took the place of a part of the forest.
• At first , churches surrounded the whole middle part of the city and you couldn't not walk past one.