Salem, Oregon

About

Salem is a city located in the county of Marion in the U.S. state of Oregon. Its population at the 2010 census was 154,637 and a population density of 1,216 people per km². After 10 years in 2020 city had an estimated population of 175,891 inhabitants.

The city was created 182 years ago in 1841.

Salem is the capital and second-largest city in the U.S. state of Oregon. It is located in the center of the Willamette Valley alongside the Willamette River, which runs north through the city. Salem was founded in 1842 and has served as the capital of Oregon since 1851.

Early History

The area where Salem now sits was originally home to the Kalapuya Native Americans who had inhabited the valley for over 10,000 years before Europeans arrived. The origin of the city's name Salem is somewhat disputed but is most likely derived from the Hebrew word "Shalom" meaning peace.

In 1842, the Methodist Mission established the town of Salem which served as a trading post and layover for settlers heading to the Oregon Territory. Salem was incorporated as a city in 1857 and selected as the state capital in 1864.

Salem as the Capital

After Salem was named capital, the city began to develop rapidly. The Oregon State Capitol building was constructed in 1938 and remains the primary government building today. Salem also became home to Willamette University, the oldest university in the western United States, which was established in 1842.

As the capital, Salem is the center of governance for the state. Both the state legislature and the governor's office are located in Salem along with the Oregon Supreme Court. Numerous state agencies and departments are headquartered in office buildings throughout the city.

Tourism and Recreation

Today, Salem is also known as a hub for agriculture, education, and tourism. Some points of interest include:

• The Oregon State Fair held annually in Salem
• Riverfront Park which runs along the Willamette River
• The Oregon State Capitol State Park
• Minto-Brown Island Park, the largest city park in Salem

Salem provides residents and visitors with a small city feel while also serving as the center of state government and politics in Oregon. With historic architecture, parks, and a university campus, Salem has much to offer visitors and residents.

Quick Facts about Salem

ORCap3 image

Geography

Salem is located at 44°56'34"N 123°2'6"W (44.9429000, -123.0351000).

Salem map

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People born in Salem, including movie actress & model Carmella Bing, alpine skier Debbie Armstrong, fantasy writer Patricia A. McKillip, .

List

• Cathy McMorris Rodgers (U.S. Representative from Washington) she was born in 22/05/1969
• Randall Woodfield (American serial killer and rapist) he was born in 26/12/1950
• Jim Pepper (Kaw-Muscogee Creek jazz musician) he was born in 18/06/1941
• Linda Friday (American movie actress) she was born in 14/07/1971
• Kate Nauta (American model, actress, singer.) she was born in 29/04/1982
• John Zerzan (American anarchist and primitivist philosopher and author) he was born in 01/01/1943
• Justin Kirk (American actor) he was born in 28/05/1969
• Zollie Volchok (American basketball executive) he was born in 22/09/1916
• Alfred Carlton Gilbert (American athlete, inventor, and businessman) he was born in 15/02/1884
• Theodore Thurston Geer (American politician (1851-1924)) he was born in 12/03/1851
• Jed Lowrie (American baseball player) he was born in 17/04/1984
• David Qualey (American composer) he was born in 30/12/1947
• Edith Brown Weiss (American jurist) she was born in 19/02/1942
• George Andrews (American mathematician) he was born in 04/12/1938
• Samuel Colt (Americanmovie actor) he was born in 06/12/1973
• Patrick Carman (American writer) he was born in 27/02/1966
• Kat Bjelland (American musician) she was born in 09/12/1963
• Porter Peter Lowry (U.S. botanist and curator) he was born in 27/10/1956

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• Salem , Wisconsin civil town in Kenosha County, Wisconsin with a population of 529 people.
• Salem , Iowa city in Iowa, United States with a population of 380 people.
• Salem , Kansas city (possibly historical) with a population of 305 people.
• Salem , South Dakota city in South Dakota, United States of America with a population of 153 people.
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