Salem, Oregon is the State Capital and is home to 154,510 residents. It just might be the only capital city that has had three capital buildings on the same footprint. Two of the buildings burned to the ground. The current building, built in 1938, has a gold-leafed statue called the Oregon Pioneer that sits atop its dome. The city’s climate is moderately cold in winter and has very comfortable summers. Native Americans first settled here, calling the area Chemeketa, which translates to ‘resting place’ or ‘meeting place.’ The actual name Salem comes from the Hebrew and Arabic word, Shalom, meaning peace. The Native tribes and the ancients of the Middle East apparently had much in common.
The Government is the city’s biggest employer in the city, followed by Salem Hospital. However, such corporations as T-Mobile, GE Securities, Roth’s Family Markets, NORPAC Foods and Willamette University are all integral parts of Salem’s economy. The Oregon yellow pages lists many additional businesses found in the city.
There are 19 neighborhoods in Salem, all independent, each distinct from the other and all with a wide variety of residential, commercial, and mixed use development. Many of the streets are tree lined and offer a rustic look and feel. Entertainment and shopping complexes as well as malls dot the landscape. The business directory can assist a visitor in Salem find the venue needed.
Riverfront Park is home to the Beat Festival sponsored by the Multicultural Institute that includes arts, crafts, music, food and entertainment. The Salem Repertory Company performs at Reed Opera House’s Pentacle Theatre, home to touring shows and local productions. The historic Elsinore Theatre is home to concerts, plays, recitals and film. Among the museums are the Hallie Ford Museum of Art and Mission Mill Museum.