Surrounded by immense greenery and natural beauty, the city of Salem is quickly becoming a popular tourist destination in Oregon State. Being the capital of the state of Oregon, the city is home to a number of government buildings, including the State Capitol. Other than that, Salem is also famous for its diverse culinary industry. Did you know that Salem is also called The Cherry City? Know more such interesting facts about Salem over here.
Fun Facts About Salem
Salem Demographic and Geographical Fast Facts
- The city of Salem is the capital of Oregon State in US and is located in both Marion and Polk Counties.
- It is also situated right in the middle of the beautiful Willamette Valley, which is named after Willamette River that runs through the city.
- With a population of 154,637 (US Census 2010), the city of Salem is the third largest city in the state, right after Portland and Eugene.
- This city is also the principal city of Salem Metropolitan Statistical Area that covers both Marion and Polk Counties.
- This city is a dwelling for several racial compositions including White (79.0%), Hispanic (20.3%), African American (1.5%), Native American (1.5%), Asians (2.7%), Pacific Islander (0.9%), Other Races (10.1%) and Two or more Races (4.3%).
- The city of Salem is home to 1,874 acres of park system, which includes 46 parks, 39.53 miles of trails and 55 undeveloped areas.
- Spread over 1200 acres, Minto-Brown Island Park is the largest park in the city.
Salem History Fast Facts
- Founded in 1842, Salem became the capital of Oregon in the year 1851 and was officially incorporated in 1857.
- The Salem area was first inhabited by Kalapuya peoples before being occupied by the Europeans in the year 1812.
- The city of Salem was initially called ‘Chim-i-ki-ti’, which means resting or meeting place in the native Central Kalapuya language.
- Jason Lee Methodist Mission, established in the year 1840, was the first ever permanent American establishment over here.
Salem Government and Economy Fast Facts
- While the state government is the largest public employer in the city of Salem, Salem Health is the largest private employer.
- Salem’s economy is majorly determined by agricultural food processing centers and area farming communities.
Salem Interesting and Important Fast Facts
- Salem is home to several universities including Chemeketa Community College, Corban University and Willamette University.
- Salem is also called the ‘The Cherry City’ because of abundance of cherry trees over here.
- Oregon State Fair is the largest event in the city of Salem that takes place at the end of August every year.
- Salem has only one daily newspaper - Statesman Journal, owned by Gannett.
- Waldo Park in Salem is the smallest city park in the entire world.
- One of the most interesting facts about Salem is that it is located on the 45th Parallel, that is, it is the center point between the equator and North Pole.
- Spread over 69 acres, Willamette University has the oldest campus grounds in western America.
- Salem has named as ‘Tree City USA’ consecutively for the last 30 years by The National Arbor Day Foundation because of the city’s dedication for forest management and planning.
- Salem is the first ever city in the state of Oregon to receive an award.
- Located just 25 miles from the city, Silver Falls State Park offers 9000 acres of pure greenery, trails and waterfalls.
- At 22 feet, A Golden Pioneer is one of the tallest statues in the city and can be seen from miles away.
- The building that currently houses the Oregon State Capitol is the third building to do so, as the previous two were destroyed in a fire in the years 1855 and 1935.
- Mission Mill Museum, Elsinore Theatre, Hallie Ford Museum of Art, Willamette River and Riverfront Park are some of the oldest structures in the city of Salem.
- The Capitol Center and Salem First United Methodist Church are the two tallest buildings in Salem.
- The popular movie - One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest was filmed over here, at Oregon State Hospital.
- Honeywood Winery in Salem city is the oldest winery in the entire state of Oregon.
