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Salem, Oregon

Located in Marion County, Oregon, Salem was established in 1842. Salem's name comes from the Hebrew 'Shalom' meaning peace. The Oregon State Capitol has burned down twice—the current building is the third.
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Founded 1842 | Population 182,620 | Peak 182,620 (2024) | County Marion County

Top 10 Most Important Events for Salem, Oregon

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1842Jason Lee Establishes Mission Settlement: Methodist missionary founds settlement that becomes Salem and Oregon's oldest university, Willamette.
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1851Becomes Oregon Territory Capital: Salem designated permanent capital after rivalry with Oregon City.
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1876Oregon State Hospital Opens: State asylum opens; later filmed for One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest.
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1935Art Deco Capitol Building Completed: Third capitol building finished with golden Oregon Pioneer statue after two predecessors burned.
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2017Solar Eclipse Totality Draws Crowds: Salem in path of totality for Great American Eclipse; hundreds of thousands visit.
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Latest News in Salem

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Complete Historical Timeline

1842 Culture
Jason Lee Establishes Mission Settlement
1851 Government
Becomes Oregon Territory Capital
1876 Culture
Oregon State Hospital Opens
1935 Architecture
Art Deco Capitol Building Completed
2017 Science
Solar Eclipse Totality Draws Crowds

Did You Know?

1
Salem's name comes from the Hebrew 'Shalom' meaning peace.
2
The Oregon State Capitol has burned down twice—the current building is the third.
3
Willamette University (1842) is the oldest university west of the Mississippi.
4
Salem is located in Marion County, Oregon.
5
Salem has a population of approximately 182,620.
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