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Journey back in time to Salem, Oregon, USA

Explore Salem, Oregon, USA! Uncover its rich history and discover the stories of the people who once called it home. Dive into old newspaper articles, vintage pictures, postcards, and genealogy to learn more about this fascinating town.

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Salem, Oregon, USA - Salem, Oregon, USA - Elks Building

Oregon's capitol building is located in Salem. Earlier capitals include the cities of Oregon City and Corvallis.

50states.com

Explore even more about Salem, Oregon, USA. Keep reading!

Salem Nostalgia: Vintage Photos, Ads, and Postcards

Salem, Oregon, USA - Elks Building
Salem, Oregon, USA

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Elks Building
Salem, Oregon, USA - Commercial Street looking North, Salem, Oregon
Salem, Oregon, USA

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Commercial Street looking North, Salem, Oregon
Salem, Oregon, USA - 1913 Escape Wanted. $50. Reward.
Oregon State Penitentiary, Salem, Oregon, June 23, 1913
James Bar
Salem, Oregon, USA
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1913 Escape Wanted. $50. Reward.
Oregon State Penitentiary, Salem, Oregon, June 23, 1913
James Barnes
Salem, Oregon, USA - State Capitol, Salem, Oregon
Salem, Oregon, USA

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State Capitol, Salem, Oregon
Salem, Oregon, USA - Hotel Senator - Salem, Oregon
Salem, Oregon, USA

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Hotel Senator - Salem, Oregon

Discover Unique Gift Ideas from or related to Salem

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Oregonian Microbrew and Rain Expertise Mug

Celebrate your love for the unique charms of Oregon with our "Oregonian Microbrew & Rain Expertise Mug." This Oregon-inspired mug is perfect for anyone who proudly hails from the Beaver State. With the witty caption, "I'm from Oregon! That explains a lot about my love for microbreweries and my ability to identify at least four types of rain," this mug is sure to spark conversations and bring smiles.

Patriotic Memories: Memorial Day Vintage Postcard Coffee Mug

Remembering the Brave, Honoring the Fallen Celebrate the spirit of Memorial Day with this stunning ceramic coffee mug featuring vintage postcards commemorating the holiday. Perfect for honoring the brave men and women who served, this mug is both a functional keepsake and a nostalgic work of art. Whether you're sipping your morning coffee or enjoying an afternoon tea, this dishwasher-safe and microwave-friendly mug is a timeless way to show your patriotism. Ideal as a gift for veterans, history buffs, or anyone who cherishes American traditions, this mug makes Memorial Day even more meaningful.

Discover Salem: History, News, Travel, and Stories

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1854 - Salem
Salem, a post-town, seat of justice of Marion county, and capital of Oregon Territory, on the right (E.) bank of Willamette river, 50 miles above Oregon city. It is beautifully situated in a rich prairie country, and is one of the most flourishing towns in the territory. Population in 1853, estimated at 1000.
A New and Complete Gazetteer of the United States: Giving a Full and Comprehensive Review of the Present Condition, Industry, and Resources of the American Confederacy ... Thomas Baldwin (of Philadelphia.) Joseph Thomas January 1, 1854 Philadelphia : Lippincott, Grambo & Company 1854.
1895 - Salem
Salem, a city of Oregon, the capital of the state and of Marion co., is situated on the E. or right bank of the navigable Willamette River, and on the Southern Pacific Railroad, 53 miles S. by W. of Portland, 28 miles N. of Albany, and about 700 miles N. of San Francisco. Lat, 44° 56' N.; lon. 123° 1' W. The streets are all straight, and are 99 feet wide. Next to Portland, Salem is the most populous town of Oregon. It is the seat of Willamette University (Methodist Episcopal), which was organized in 1851, and contains the state capitol, which is 264 feet in length by 75 feet in width, a state prison, a state reform school, a state asylum for the insane, a state orphan's home, 22 churches, 3 academies, 4 banking-houses, a fine brick court-house, an institution for the deaf and dumb, founded by the state in 1870, the Oregon School for the Blind, founded in 1873, a state library of about 7000 volumes, 2 large flouring-mills, a foundry, a machine-shop, and manufactures of lumber, oil,... Read MORE...

1906
Salem, a city, capital of the state of Oregon and of Marion co., is situated on the E. or right bank of the navigable Willamette River and on the Southern Pacific R., 53 miles S. by W. of Portland. Lat. 44° 56' N. ; Lon. 123° 1' W. The city has broad shaded streets, contains an imposing state capitol, and has state institutions for the deaf and dumb, the blind, and the insane, an Indian training-school, state penitentiary and reformatory, and an orphan's home. It is the seat of Willamette University (Methodist Episcopal) and of the Academy of the Sacred Heart. It has flouring-mills, fruit-packing houses, and manufactures of lumber, woollen goods, foundry products, sash and doors, etc. Pop. in 1900, 4258.
Lippincott's New Gazetteer: A Complete Pronouncing Gazetteer Or Geographical Dictionary of the World, Containing the Most Recent and Authentic Information Respecting the Countries, Cities, Towns ... in Every Portion of the Globe Publisher J.B. Lippincott Company, 1906
1911 - AUTO BUCKS INTO STORE - Salem Councilman's Car Darts Back Through Window - Damage Heavy.
SALEM, Or., March 9. - (Special.) - Councilman W. H. Eldridge in attempting to crank a recently purchased automobile, which was standing in front of C. M. Eppley's store on East State street, was surprised when the machine darted backwards and crashed through the window of the store and damaged much of the stock before the machine stopped.

When Eldridge cranked the machine the gears were meshed and the reverse lever thrown back. Mrs. Eldridge was in the car at the time and when the machine suddenly darted backwards she was thrown onto the muddy pavement, but was uninjured.
The Oregonian
Portland, Oregon
March 10, 1911
1929 - August 8 - Salem Oregon airport dedicated

historyorb.com
Here's a list of places to go and things to do in Salem:
Oregon State Capitol: Start your trip with a visit to the Oregon State Capitol. Take a guided tour to learn about the state's history, government, and even visit the observation deck for a great view of the city.

Willamette Valley Vineyards: Salem is in the heart of Oregon's wine country. Visit the Willamette Valley Vineyards to enjoy wine tasting, vineyard tours, and stunning views of the Willamette Valley.

Historic Downtown Salem: Stroll through the charming downtown area with its historic buildings, boutique shops, and a variety of restaurants and cafes. Don't forget to explore the Riverfront Park along the Willamette River.

Bush's Pasture Park: This beautiful park offers walking trails, rose gardens, and the Bush House Museum, which provides insights into Salem's history and the Bush family.

Deepwood Estate: Another historic gem, the Deepwood Estate, is a Victorian home with lush gardens. Take a guided tour to learn about the city's history and architecture.

A.C.... Read MORE...

Discover YOUR Roots: Salem Ancestry

Ancestors Who Were Born or Died in Salem, Oregon, USA

We currently have information about 10 ancestors who were born or died in Salem.

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Updated: 11/16/2024 8:11:34 PM