5 Facts about Salem, Oregon

Salem, Oregon may be a small city, but it boasts of rich history and jaw-dropping beauty. It has a perfect location for people who love to ski and stay out in the warm sun.

Do you know everything about Salem? Here are some interesting facts you may not know about it.

1. The city of Salem lies in Willamette Valley, which is famous for its excellent winery. If you are not in for a glass of wine, you can always drink their water, which is acknowledged as one of the tastiest water in the Pacific Northwest.
2. With a total population of approximately 150,000 people, Salem is considered one of the largest cities in Oregon.
3. The present-day Salem was first established as a Methodist mission in the 1830s. Some of the early Native Americans living in the area was plagued with diseases brought by earlier traders. The Native Americans were offered food and medicine by the missionaries. However, the missionaries' dream of organizing a school never happened, according to an online history of Willamette University.
4. The local government of Salem provides the most number of employment for its residents. In fact, almost 30% of the working population in Salem are employed by either the federal, state or local government. Transportation, trade, education, health services, and business services are also significant industries in the city.
5. The 31st U.S. president Herbert Hoover resided in Salem for three years. He was employed as an office boy at his uncle's company. Hoover, was orphaned at the age of 10 and relocated to Oregon to be with his aunt and uncle.

Hoover donated his whole salary to charity when he was elected as U.S. president. Although he no longer lived in Salem, he didn't cut ties with the city and occasionally returned. He even celebrated his 81st birthday in the humble town of Salem.