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Salem Oregon

INTRODUCTION

Nicknamed the "Cherry City," because of the importance of the local cherry growing industry, Salem is located in the mid-Willamette Valley, between Portland and Eugene, which is one of the most productive agricultural regions in the world.

HISTORY

Originally inhabited by Native Americans, they named this area Chemeketa meaning "meeting or resting place". This first Europeans to settle here arrived in 1840 with the Jason Lee mission. The first townsite was organizedby missionaries in 1842.

Salem became the capital of the territory in 1851 after it moved from Oregon City. The first cherry festival from which it gets its nicknamed occured in 1903.

ATTRACTIONS

Civic Center?
A C Gilbert's Discovery Village
Riverfront Carousel
Aldeman Peony Gardens?
Historic Deepwood Gardens?
Bush House Museum?
Mission Mill?
Bush's Pasture Park?
RESTAURANTS

LODGING