Salem – a Magnificent Site With Prominent Attractions
By: David H.
Submitted: 2011-11-09 13:13:05 | Word Count: 556
Oregon the state of United States, offers great and exotic natural landscapes that will surely mesmerize you. It exhibits some of the most fascinating views of the seacoast, majestic mountains, greenery, deserts and prairies. The state of Oregon has always been an eye-candy for the tourists of all round the globe as it is blessed with rejuvenating climate, cultural diversity, landscapes and magnificent cities such as Salem, Portland, Eugene, Hillsboro, Medford and several other prominent cities.
The city of Salem is the capital of the U.S. state of Oregon. It enjoys the status of being the county seat of Marion County. This beautiful city is located amidst the Willamette Valley on the banks of Willamette River. Salem City was founded in the year 1842 and in the year 1851, it became the capital of Oregon Territory. The city derived its name from the word 'Shalom' that means 'peace' in Hebrew.
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This interesting city of Salem was incorporated in the year 1857. It ranks as the third largest city with an estimated population of about 154,510 in the year 2008, following Portland and Eugene. Initially, the city was an agricultural city and it witnessed growth during the era of gold rush.
Entire city of Salem is full packed with a range of historically significant sites along with magnificent natural scenic landscapes. One of the most visited tourist destinations includes the Oregon State capitol building which is a historically significant structure. Another worth visiting site in the city is Willamette University building.
Ecola State Park is a great place to visit as it gives an opportunity to enjoy the magnificence of forest and its creatures such as elk and deer. This park is considered as one of the best photogenic landscapes in the state that gives you some mesmerizing scenic views. This place is considered as the best picnic spot for the people of the city during weekends. This is also a very favorable spot for surfers and people who love to take a walk along the beach.
The most visited attraction within the city is Oregon State Capitol that is also recognized because of its 'Gold Man'. This Gold Man is officially known as the Oregon Pioneer and it is a majestic sculpture with a height of about twenty three feet and it weighs around 8.5 tons. This building accommodates the Governor's Office, Oregon Legislative Assembly with few other offices of the state government. As you step in the capital, you will witness the some magnificent murals around the Rotunda. The replica of the Oregon State Seal is also placed right at the middle of the rotunda.
One can also not afford to miss the Mission Mill Museum in the city. It is a museum with historically significant relics and monuments. It exhibits working models of a woolen mill such as Thomas Kay Woolen Mill with many historically significant buildings that have been shifted to the mill area.
One can also go for shopping as the downtown area of the city is full packed with some marvelous malls and shopping centers. Some of the most important shopping malls include Lancaster Mall, Center Mall and Woodburn Company Stores Outlet Mall with some specialty stores such as Mission Mill Village. The Mission Mill Village is known for its antiques, relics and crafts. You can also take these items as a souvenir of the city.
