15 Historical Spots to Visit in Salem, Oregon

Salem became the Oregon's official capital in 1859, when it was granted statehood.

Today, dozens of buildings, museums, cultural centers, neighborhoods and historic sites in downtown Salem tell the tale of the valley’s storied past.

1. Salem Downtown Historic District

2. Elsinore Theatre

3. Union Street Railroad and Pedestrian Bridge

4. Gilbert House Children’s Museum

5. Bush House Museum

6. Gaiety Hollow

7. Deepwood Museum and Gardens

8. Gaiety Hill-Bush’s Pasture Park Historic District

9. Salem Pioneer Cemetery

10. Oregon State Capitol

11. Willamette University

12. Willamette Heritage Center

13. Salem Southern Pacific Railroad Station

14. Oregon State Hospital

15. Court-Chemeketa Historic District