The Dent County Courthouse in Salem is one of the more interesting courthouses in Missouri, and I can’t help but notice that it looks like a Second Empire house. I even remember my time in Washington, DC, and loving one of the houses on Logan Circle, and it bears a striking similarity in massing.
The downtown of Salem is nice, and it is well-occupied by businesses. It’s interesting driving out this way; it’s very isolated on two lane roads with little traffic that wend their way through the Ozarks. You’re closer to Arkansas than St. Louis down this way.
Then there are the churches. They are fascinating examples of the Gothic Revival style, and they sit across the street from each other.
I liked the town of Salem. There is a simple beauty to the town.