When was salem massachusetts founded

For some villagers, though by no means all, a separate church represented a broader ambition for greater autonomy or even complete independence from the town, something that would not occur until Salem Village is now called Danvers.

Salem Town initially objected to the farmers' request, but in March , with a push from the colonial government, the town granted Salem Village the liberty to hire a minister for themselves.

The village was also permitted to establish a committee, "not exceeding the number of five," to assess and gather taxes for the ministry. Its members were usually elected each year at a village meeting. Salem Custom House built. It was responsible for collecting taxes on imported cargoes. The house was lived in by three generations of the Turner family, before being acquired by the Ingersoll family, relatives of Salem-born author, Nathaniel Hawthorne.

The Witch House is completed. Judge Jonathon Corwin, a judge who presided over the Salem Witch Trials , resided there, and some of the preliminary questioning for the witch trials was held there. A Salem selectman purchases land, that today is Salem, Peabody and Danvers, from the heirs of the Naumkeag tribe for 20 pounds.

The Salem Witch Trials begin. It was a time of hysteria, when courts believed in the devil, spectral evidence and teenage girls. The trials ceased when Governor William Phipps disbanded the court, after his wife was accused of being a witch herself. The new court released those awaiting trial and pardoned those awaiting execution; the trials were over. The first armed resistance of the Revolution happened in Salem when the Salem militia blocked British Lt.

Colonel Leslie and his men from their mission to capture ammunition stored in Salem. The Peabody Essex Museum is founded by sea captains.

While the initial accusations began and grew in Salem Village, the actual court proceedings took place in Salem Town. Between June and September of nineteen people were condemned at the courthouse that was located on present-day Washington Street. In addition, five others died in jail. Salem was built by its prosperous maritime trade. Salem was now only the second city to he incorporated in the State..

Boston being the first. In April of that year, the first city elections were held to elect a Mayor, six Aldermen-At-Large, and six Common Councillors from each of the four wards. This form of government is referred to as a bicameral legislative body. The original charter, with a bicameral legislative body, was replaced by the Commission form in This form, consisting of four commissioners and a mayor, was supplanted in by the present form of city government, called "Plan B Government".

Plan B City Government provides for a Mayor, and City Council of eleven members, seven elected from the wards, and four at-large. The Mayor is elected for four years in November of unevenly numbered years.

He or she is the administrative head of the city and chairperson ex-officio of the School Committee, the Board of Library Trustees, and the Board of Trust Fund Commissioners. He or she acts with the City Council and School Committee to carry out city business. The appointment of most city department heads, and members of the various boards and commissions, however, require City Council confirmation.

The Mayor has the right to veto any order, resolution, or ordinance passed by the Council. However, his or her veto may be overturned by a two-thirds vote of all councillors.

After reviewing and revising the estimates prepared by department heads, the Mayor submits the budget to the City Council for final action. The Mayor approves all municipal payrolls, vouchers, contracts and instruments; he or she recommends bond issues, legislation and orders to the City Council, and represents the city with other levels of government.

As the general administrator of all city departments, the Mayor is consulted by department heads pertaining to the city's welfare.

Under the City Charter, the City Council, is composed of eleven members, one elected from each of the seven wards and four elected at-large. The City Council is primarily the legislative branch of the city government. As the legislative body, the Council confirms appointments made by the Mayor and appropriates all monies necessary to city operation. It can approve, disapprove, or reduce the amount of appropriations, but not add to the appropriation.

The Council receives orders recommended by the Mayor and petitions from the public, and acts on them after committee study. The City Council also has the power to enact Ordinances and other regulations. A majority of the City Council constitutes a quorum and the affirmative vote of a majority of all the members of the Council is necessary for the adoption of any motion, resolution, or ordinance.

All legislative sessions, whether full Council or Committee, must be public. Every matter must he put to a vote, and a full and accurate journal of Council or Committee action must be kept.

Meetings of the City Council are held on the second and fourth Thursdays of every month at p.