Salem, Oregon
Don’t let the fields of flowers and ample wildlife flourishing on the 46 square miles of the city of Salem, Oregon fool you. There is plenty to do in the state’s capital whether you are in the mood for an exploration of history or to looking to become one with nature. Located right along the Willamette River, the region is a great producer of wild fields. In the region, there are several wildlife refuges that serve to preserve trails, wetlands, oak forests, prairies and more—the views from these centers of preservation are wonderful. In this grand region adjacent to two rivers, the land is also teeming with cherry trees and vineyards. Long distance movers often seek the beautiful life of untouched nature and calmness of country living.
Economy:
There are over 150,000 people currently living in the city of Salem—Oregon’s second largest city—that is still expanding with more people moving to Salem every year. Businesses that were established in the 1800s are still present in the region of Salem. Goods coming to into the river city allowed banks, farms and processing plants to thrive. Some business has dwindled due to the recent dip in the economy—the city that arose upon the expansion of agriculture and logging are losing out on those industries because of a lack of steady house renovations and building in general.
Salem is a busy metropolis if you consider the large national retailers that have successfully taken root in the city. Costco, Shopko, Wal-mart, Target and Home Depot are only some of the examples of big chain stores taking root in the city. Small businesses such as restaurants and retail stores have boomed within the last two decades. Farmers, especially in the wine and cherry industries are celebrated with the city’s Cherry Festival. Farmer’s markets are a regular occurrence in town when weather permits.
Tourism:
Salem is a great town waiting to be discovered. There is a range of activities to do and places to go. On one side of town, there Oregon’s only artisan farmstead cheese company called Willamette Valley Cheese Company. They are located on Wallace Road where you can try their award-winning cheeses in the new tasting room. On the opposite side of the spectrum, there are over 200 wineries locally. Once people make the move to Salem, Oregon, they know why their region’s Pinot Noir is so acclaimed.
The art scene in the city that looks like a painting itself is pretty fruitful. Many artists are represented by the Salem Art Association (SAA) that provides art education and appreciation to Salem and surrounding communities. Every year, SAA runs the annual Art Fair & Festival in July where art is presented amongst stands full of hands-on activities for children.
History:
Salem is one of the oldest cities in Oregon. The Kalapuya Native Americans were said to have been the first residents of the region. They gathered around the Willamette River collecting fruits and berries that grew nearby. Soon after, Salem developed into a big river city and agricultural metropolis. Government and commerce helped Salem turn into a city worth settling in. Kalapuya evidently diminished once, European-Americans arrived in Salem bringing smallpox, malaria and other diseases with them.
The first institute of higher learning called the Oregon Institute was established in 1842. Churches, industries, and agricultural enterprises soon followed. As more people funneled into the region, one of the trustees of the Oregon Institute ultimately named Salem after his native Salem, Massachusetts.
Colleges/Universities:
• Willamette University
• Corban College
• Chemeketa Community College
Interesting Facts:
• Salem, Oregon is home to Willamette University, the first university in the West.
• American inventor Alfred Carlton Gilbert (1884-1961) was born in Salem, Oregon. He is best known for the Erector Set.
• Salem is often called “The Cherry City” because of the area’s cherry industry that began in 1847 when pioneer Henderson Lewelling arrived from Iowa with 700 cherry plants. The Cherry Festival is an annual event that takes place to celebrate the industry.
Helpful Links:
• City of Salem Official Website
• Salem Insurance
• Salem Moving Guide
• Salem Storage Facilities
• Salem Real Estate