This area, called Paugwonk by Indians living near Fairy Lake, was settled about 1700. It was named new Salem parish by landowner Colonel Samuel Browne from Salem MA in 1725. Sections of Colchester, Montville and Lyme were incorporated into the town in 1819. Many townsmen answered the Lexington Alarm and fought in the War of Independence.
This cemetery is next to the old Snarski's that burned down a few years back.