Salem, OR
Capital of Oregon
Known as “Cherry City”
Overview
Salem is the capital city of Oregon, located in the West region of the United States. Founded in 1842, the city has grown to a population of approximately 175,535 residents within a state of 4,237,256 people. As the seat of Oregon's state government, Salem serves as the political and administrative center of the state.
The city is home to the Oregon State Capitol, a Art Deco / Modern structure that has been a landmark since its completion in 1938. Designed by Francis Keally of Trowbridge & Livingston, the capitol building stands as a testament to the state's history and governance, attracting visitors from across the country and around the world.
Salem has served as the capital of Oregon since 1855. Before Salem, the state's capital was located in Oregon City and Corvallis.
Oregon State Capitol
The Oregon State Capitol in Salem is a distinctive Art Deco building topped with a bronze-leafed 'Oregon Pioneer' statue that stands 23 feet tall atop the building's central tower. Built in 1938 after the previous capitol was destroyed by fire, the building is clad in white Danby marble from Vermont. Two large murals by Barry Faulkner and Frank Schwarz adorn the rotunda, depicting key events in Oregon's history.
Art Deco with Greek influences
Notable Features
- 23-foot gilded 'Oregon Pioneer' statue atop the tower
- Art Deco design clad in white Vermont Danby marble
- Rotunda murals depicting Oregon history
- Cylindrical central tower (not a traditional dome)
- Surrounding Capitol State Park with native plantings
- Galleries of Oregon art throughout the building
Media Gallery
Original footage coming soon! User-submitted photos welcome.
Fun Facts & Trivia
- ★The 'Oregon Pioneer' statue atop the capitol is covered in gold leaf and stands 23 feet tall, gazing westward.
- ★Two previous Oregon capitols were destroyed by fire, in 1855 and 1935, before the current building was constructed.
- ★The building is clad in white Vermont Danby marble, giving it a distinctive bright appearance.
- ★Salem was chosen as the territorial capital in 1851 after a rivalry with Oregon City.
- ★Oregon was the only state admitted to the Union on Valentine's Day (February 14, 1859).
- ★The capitol grounds include a replica of the Liberty Bell, one of 55 full-size replicas distributed across the country.