Salem, the state capital city, is Oregon's second largest city, with a population of approximately 135,000. Salem is one of Oregon's oldest communities. The Indian name for the locality was Chemeketa, said to mean "meeting or resting place." It may also have been the name of one of the bands of Calapooya Indians. In 1840-41, the Jason Lee Mission was moved from the Willamette River upstream to a site on Mill Creek.

The close proximity of government provides Salem citizens with a distinct opportunity to be involved in the decision-making processes of the state.

The citizens of Salem also have a long history of commitment to community improvement and volunteerism...a commitment recognized nationally through presentation of two All-America City Awards, one for 1960-61 and more recently for 1982-83.

Salem also has that trademark Oregon landcsape with lush greenery and beautiful hills.

Not only that but Salem is a beautiful place. In no rush to radically change the cities appearance, the city looks much the same as it did fifty years ago. It’s not that the people here are old fashioned it’s just that they have a healthy respect for their history, and as the state’s capital they take that very seriously.