Salem

Salem marks the state capital of Oregon, resting along the Willamette River south of the Columbia River basin. The name derives from the Hebrew term shalom, selected by early arrivals to signify a city of peace. Extensive cherry orchards planted across the fertile valley earned the locality its lasting traditional nickname as the Cherry City.

The Oregon State Capitol displays Art Deco architecture topped by a bronze pioneer statue gilded in gold leaf. Willamette University began instruction during the 1840s as the earliest chartered institution of higher learning in the American West. Bush House Museum preserves Italianate Victorian domestic furnishings dating from the late 19th century. The Elsinore Theatre opened during the 1920s with Tudor Gothic interior plasterwork designed for theatrical and film performances. Hallie Ford Museum of Art presents regional Native American basketry, historic Pacific Northwest prints, and contemporary decorative glass.

The settlement began in 1842 when missionary Jason Lee established the Oregon Institute along Mill Creek. Town lots were platted across the Chemeketa plain to accommodate travelers arriving over the Oregon Trail. Salem became the territorial capital in 1851, transferring administrative functions southward from Oregon City. City incorporation followed during the 1850s as commercial riverboat landings and flour mills multiplied along the waterfront. Rebuilding of the state capitol finished in the 1930s after fire destroyed the previous classical dome.

Kettle Foods produces batch-cooked potato chips and seasoned snack crisps sold across international grocery markets under its recognizable snack trademark. Garmin AT designs general aviation navigation computers, satellite communication transceivers, and electronic flight instrument systems. Willamette Valley Fruit Company processes frozen Marion blackberries, baked fruit pies, and fruit preserves harvested from surrounding valley acreage.