Petition Jobs - Salem, Oregon: History, Culture, and Local Attractions
 
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Salem, Oregon is the capital and second most populous city in the state of Oregon. According to the Wikipedia page for Salem, Oregon, the city has an estimated population of 178,035 as of 2021. Salem is located in the center of the Willamette Valley alongside the Willamette River, about 47 miles south of Portland.

History

The area around Salem was originally inhabited by the Kalapuya Native American tribe. In the 1830s, missionaries established the Oregon Institute in what would later become Salem. This institution would eventually become Willamette University, the oldest university in the western United States.

Salem was incorporated as a city in 1851 and officially named the capital of Oregon in 1855. Early economic drivers included agriculture, the Oregon & California Railroad, and the Oregon State Penitentiary. Salem saw population booms following World War II due to the growth of state government and the location of electronics and heavy equipment companies like Oremet and Tektronix in the area.

Geography and Climate

Salem is located at coordinates 44.9428917 N, -123.0350963 W. According to the City of Salem website, Salem has a total area of 48.45 square miles and an elevation of 154 feet above sea level.

Salem has a temperate climate, with mild, wet winters and warm, dry summers. The average annual high temperature is 61.8°F and the average annual low temperature is 41.9°F. Salem gets about 38 inches of rain per year on average.

Population

As mentioned previously, Salem's population is estimated at 178,035 as of 2021. This makes it the second largest city in Oregon after Portland. Salem serves as the core city of the Salem Metropolitan Statistical Area, which has an estimated population of 390,738.

In terms of demographics, Salem's population is predominantly white at 78.9%. 11.1% of residents identify as Hispanic/Latino, 4.6% as Asian, 1.7% as Black or African American, 1.2% as Native American, and 5.2% as two or more races.

Salem has seen steady population growth over the past few decades. Projections estimate the population could reach 230,000 by 2035.

Economy and Major Employers

As the state capital, government is a major employer in Salem. The State of Oregon employs around 24,000 people in Salem. Some of the largest state government employers include the Oregon State Capitol, Oregon State Hospital, Oregon Department of Corrections, Oregon State Police, Oregon Youth Authority, Oregon Health Authority, and others.

Other major employers in Salem include:

Other major industries in Salem include manufacturing, healthcare, retail trade, and technology. Top manufacturing employers include NORPAC Foods, Kettle Foods, PGE, and Cascade Steel Rolling Mills.

Attractions and Landmarks

Some of the most popular attractions and landmarks in Salem include:

Oregon State Capitol

The Oregon State Capitol building was constructed in the 1930s and houses the state legislature. Guided tours are available of the Capitol, gardens, and pioneer monument. The Capitol is located at 900 Court St NE.

Oregon State Fairgrounds

Home to the annual Oregon State Fair, the Oregon State Fairgrounds feature concerts, rodeos, carnival rides, vendors, and agricultural exhibits throughout the summer. The grounds also host year-round events at facilities like the Jackman-Long Building and Columbia Hall. The fairgrounds are located at 2330 17th St NE.

Riverfront Park

Riverfront Park is a popular downtown park along the Willamette River waterfront. It features walking paths, an amphitheater, playgrounds, and access to docks along the river. The park hosts community events like the Riverfront Carousel, summer concert series, and holiday tree lighting. Riverfront Park is located at 200 Water St NE.

Willamette University

Founded in 1842, Willamette University is the oldest university in the western United States. Notable campus buildings include historic Waller Hall and the Mark O. Hatfield Library. The liberal arts school has an enrollment of around 2,500 students. Willamette University is located at 900 State St.

Museums and Cultural Attractions

Salem is home to several museums and cultural institutions:

Additional attractions include the Salem Theater, Enlightened Theatrics performing arts theater, and Elsinore Theatre historic movie palace.

Public Transportation

Public transportation in Salem is provided by Cherriots, the regional transit district. Cherriots operates 17 bus routes throughout the Salem-Keizer metro area, with service to popular destinations like the downtown transit center, Willamette Town Center, West Salem, and Salem Hospital.

Fares and passes can be purchased on buses, through the myHop card, or on the Cherriots website. Discounted fares are available for youth, seniors, and riders with disabilities.

In addition to traditional buses, Cherriots offers paratransit service for riders with disabilities (Cherriots LIFT) and on-demand microtransit in West Salem (Cherriots Ride).

Education

Public primary and secondary education in Salem is provided by the Salem-Keizer School District, which covers an area of over 240 square miles in and around Salem. The district has over 40,000 enrolled students across 65 schools, including 46 elementary schools, 11 middle schools, and 8 high schools. Comprehensive schools offer grades K-12, while others serve specific levels.

Some of the high schools in Salem include:

Post-secondary education options in Salem include public Chemeketa Community College and private Willamette University mentioned previously.

Healthcare

Salem's major healthcare provider is Salem Health, which operates Salem Hospital as well as West Valley Hospital in Dallas, Oregon. Salem Hospital is a Level II trauma center and regional referral center located downtown at 890 Oak Street SE.

Other medical facilities include the Salem Clinic main campus, Salem Audiology Clinic, HealthPlex Rehabilitation Hospital, Willamette Valley Cancer Institute, and Salem Surgery Center.

Sports and Recreation

Salem is home to the Salem Red Sox, a Minor League Baseball team affiliated with the Boston Red Sox. The Red Sox play at Volcanoes Stadium located at 6700 Field of Dreams Way in Keizer.

Additional sports and recreation options in Salem include:

Outdoor recreation options include hiking in parks like Silver Falls State Park and biking or walking along trails like the Minto-Brown Island Park path.

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Festivals and Events

Popular annual events in Salem include:

Other events held in Salem throughout the year include music festivals, cultural celebrations, races, craft fairs, a film festival, and more. Many take place at Riverfront Park, the fairgrounds, or other downtown locations.

Shopping and Dining

As the state's second largest city, Salem offers plenty of shopping and dining options. Key areas include:

Other major shopping centers include The Shops at Kroc Center and Keizer Station. Salem has a diverse food scene, with options ranging from locally-owned eateries to national chains.

Neighborhoods and Surrounding Communities

Some of the notable neighborhoods and communities around Salem include:

Salem serves as the core city for the region but has strong ties to the smaller towns and communities in the Willamette Valley that surround it.

Local Resources

Here are some additional local resources for Salem and the surrounding region:

Overview and Conclusion

Salem, Oregon is a vibrant city with deep historical roots and a diverse economy. As the state capital and second largest city in Oregon, Salem offers an array of job opportunities, attractions, entertainment options and more. Salem's central location in the lush Willamette Valley provides access to both urban amenities and outdoor recreation.

From the Oregon State Capitol and University to museums, festivals and a growing food scene, Salem has something to offer for visitors and residents alike. Neighboring towns help comprise a metro region of over 390,000 residents. Salem continues to grow and develop, while maintaining its unique Pacific Northwest culture and charm.




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