Salem, city in northwestern Oregon, on the Willamette River. The city is the capital of the state, seat of Marion County, and in part of Polk County. Salem is the administrative center of the state and a commercial, distribution, and processing hub for the fertile mid-Willamette Valley. Food processing employs the greatest number of workers engaged in manufacturing. High-technology industries are also important to the city's economy; manufactures include silicon wafers and electronic equipment. Paper and metal containers are also produced. The retirement and health care sectors are experiencing growth. Air transportation is through McNary Field.
Salem is the site of Willamette University, founded as the Oregon Institute in 1842 and the oldest institution of higher education in the Pacific Northwest. Also located in the city are Western Baptist College (1935) and a community college. Local attractions include the State Capitol, completed in the late 1930s, and Bush Pasture, a park containing the Bush House Museum and the Bush Barn Art Center, named for early Oregon banker and newspaper publisher Asahel Bush. Other points of interest are the Marion County Historical Society Museum, the Gilbert House Children's Museum, and several wineries. Mission Mill Village includes restored historic buildings and the Thomas Kay Textile Museum. Silver Falls State Park and Champoeg State Park are nearby. Annual events include the Oregon State Fair, held in early September, and the Salem Art Fair, in August.
Microsoft® Encarta® Online Encyclopedia 2001
http://encarta.msn.com © 1997-2001 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved. Salem Information info
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