Salem is Oregon's capital city, known for its historic State Capitol, Methodist mission heritage, Willamette River location, and vibrant arts and government institutions.
180,406
(2024 estimate)1842
Capital since 1859-1864Willamette Valley
43 miles south of Portland2nd Largest
City in OregonSalem is Oregon's capital city with a population of 180,406 (2024 estimate), making it the second-largest city in the state after Portland. Located in the center of the Willamette Valley alongside the Willamette River, Salem serves as Marion County's county seat. The city lies approximately 43 miles southwest of Portland and 45.5 degrees north latitude (the 45th Parallel roughly bisects the city). Salem was originally established as a Methodist mission settlement in 1841 by Jason Lee and officially incorporated as a town in 1857. The city became Oregon's territorial capital in 1851-1852, served as the de facto capital from 1859, and was officially designated the state capital by popular vote in 1864. The Mid-Willamette Valley region where Salem is located is one of Oregon's most productive agricultural areas and richest in natural resources.
Missionary Founding: Salem's origins date to 1841 when Methodist missionary Jason Lee established a mission near the Kalapuyan village of Tchimikiti. The area's Kalapuya name, Chemeketa, meaning "place of rest," was translated into the biblical Salem (Hebrew shalom, "peace"). Lee established the Oregon Institute in 1842, which later became Willamette University. In 1846, William Willson officially renamed the settlement Salem.
Capital City Status: Salem was designated the Marion County seat in 1849 and became the territorial capital in 1851-1852. Following incorporation as a town in 1857, it became the de facto state capital in 1859. In 1864, by popular vote, Salem was confirmed as Oregon's official state capital, replacing Corvallis.
Oregon State Capitol: The current Capitol building, completed in 1938, features Art Deco stripped classical design by New York architects Trowbridge & Livingston. The four-story structure is constructed of reinforced concrete and sheathed in brilliant white Vermont marble, with a distinctive cylindrical lantern enclosing an interior dome. The building cost $2.5 million and was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1988. Visitors can climb to the top to view the monumental gold Oregon Pioneer statue. The building houses the State legislature, ceremonial chambers, and art depicting Oregon history.
Previous Capitols: A two-story Greek revival statehouse burned in December 1855 after only two months of occupancy. Oregon's second capitol (1876-1935) was destroyed by fire on April 25, 1935, leading to construction of the current building on the same site.
Salem sits on the Willamette River, which flows northward for 183 miles past Albany and Oregon City into the Columbia River near Portland. The river divides Marion and Polk counties, with West Salem located on the Polk County side.
Government Employment: Government is the major employer in Salem as the state capital and county seat. State, local, and federal government employment accounts for 28% of Salem's workforce, providing economic stability to the region.
Major Industries: Trade, transportation, and utilities are the largest industries, followed by health services and education as the second-largest sector. Leisure and hospitality ranks third, while manufacturing is the fourth-largest industry. The State of Oregon is the largest employer overall, while Salem Health is the largest private employer.
Agriculture: The Mid-Willamette Valley is Oregon's top producer of agricultural products. Agriculture and livestock in the Salem area are valued at more than $556 million in Marion and Polk counties, with vegetables, fruits, nursery and greenhouse crops, grass seed, and dairy products accounting for over 50% of agricultural value.
Business Incentives: Salem offers competitive advantages including no general business license fee, making business startup more affordable. The city provides grants and tax abatements for qualifying businesses.
Salem hosts several institutions of higher education serving the region:
Nearby, Oregon State University in Corvallis (approximately 45 minutes away) is the largest institution in Oregon with over 30,000 students.
Salem became Oregon's capital in 1864 by popular vote, after serving as the territorial capital beginning in 1851-1852 and the de facto capital from 1859. The city replaced Corvallis as the state capital.
Salem was founded in 1841 as a Methodist mission by Jason Lee near the Kalapuyan village of Tchimikiti. Lee established the Oregon Institute in 1842, which later became Willamette University. In 1846, William Willson renamed it Salem from the Arabic word "salam" meaning peace.
The current Capitol, completed in 1938, is an Art Deco masterpiece constructed of reinforced concrete and sheathed in brilliant white Vermont marble. It cost $2.5 million to build and features a distinctive cylindrical lantern with an interior dome. Visitors can climb to the top to view the monumental gold Oregon Pioneer statue. The building was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1988.
Salem offers diverse museums including the Willamette Heritage Center with historic structures and exhibits, Bush House Museum (Italianate mansion), Deepwood Museum & Gardens (Victorian house with gardens), Hallie Ford Museum of Art on Willamette University's campus, Gilbert House Children's Museum with interactive exhibits, and the Oregon State Hospital Museum documenting mental health history.
Salem offers excellent outdoor recreation including Minto-Brown Island Park with 19 miles of trails, Bush's Pasture Park for hiking and picnicking, water sports on the Willamette River (kayaking, canoeing, fishing), Silver Falls State Park with 35+ miles of trails, and wildlife refuges like Baskett Slough and Ankeny with scenic loop trails.
Salem is home to Willamette University (private liberal arts with 2,000 students), Corban University (Christian institution with 1,000+ students offering 50+ programs), Chemeketa Community College (public college with lowest tuition at ~$4,545/year), and Western Oregon University's Salem campus for graduate studies. Oregon State University in nearby Corvallis is the largest regional institution with 30,000+ students.
The Mid-Willamette Valley, where Salem is located, is Oregon's top producer of agricultural products. Agriculture and livestock in the Salem area exceed $556 million in value across Marion and Polk counties, with vegetables, fruits, nursery and greenhouse crops, grass seed, and dairy products accounting for over 50% of total agricultural value.
Minto-Brown Island Park is Salem's largest natural area, containing 833 acres alongside the Willamette River with over 1,200 acres of lush open spaces and wooded areas. It features close to 19 miles of trails, playgrounds, picnic areas, a dog park, and paddle boat area, making it ideal for outdoor recreation for all ages.
Last updated on November 24, 2025