THE SALEM CANAL WAS ORGANIZED IN 1865 WHEN RESIDENTS DECIDED TO DIVERT PART OF THE SPANISH FORK RIVER TO IRRIGATE CROPS IN SALEM, UTAH. THE INITIAL CONSTRUCTION OF THE CANAL TOOK THREE YEARS TO COMPLETE (1866=1869) AND RUNS FROM THE MOUTH OF SPANISH FORK CANYON, THROUGH SALEM TO THE PAYSON HILL. SUBSEQUENTLY, IN 1878, THE SALEM IRRIGATION AND CANAL COMPANY WAS INCORPORATED AS A NON-PROFIT CORPORATION WITH 2208 SHARES AUTHORIZED AND OUTSTANDING AT THE TIME.
THE CANAL, THOUGH UPGRADED OVER THE YEARS WITH CONCRETE LINING AND SOME PIPING, REMAINS THE PRIMARY SOURCE OF IRRIGATION WATER IN SALEM AND IS USED ON 2,465 ACRES OF FARMLAND IN THE SALEM AND PAYSON AREA.