Salem, << SAY luhm >> (pop. 175,535; met. area pop. 433,353), is the state capital and one of the largest cities of Oregon. The city lies in the Willamette Valley in northwestern Oregon.
Salem serves as an important commercial center for surrounding farm communities. State government agencies make up the largest source of employment in Salem. Other major employers include food processing businesses and retail services.
The city is the home of Willamette University and Corban University. Willamette University is the oldest university west of the Rocky Mountains. It was founded in 1842 as the Oregon Institute. Tourist attractions in Salem include a number of restored houses built in the 1800’s. One of these is the Bush House, a mansion furnished with antiques. The Willamette Heritage Center offers tours of other restored houses. The city is also home to the Oregon State Hospital Museum of Mental Health.
Salem was founded in 1840 as a missionary settlement by Jason Lee, a Methodist missionary. Salem is the English version of Shalom, a Hebrew word meaning peace. In 1851, the community took the name Salem and became the state capital. It is the seat of Marion County and has a council-manager form of government.
