 A published 1896 history of Chariton County lists among the community's businesses and amenities two newspapers, six physicians, a soda-pop factory, cigar factory, and a city-owned power plant for electricity.The Salisbury Square Historic District and Frabrishous and Sarah A. Thomas House are listed on the National Register of Historic Places.Salisbury is governed by a mayor-council form of government and is a 4th class city under Missouri classification.