Oregon – Oregon's capital is Salem

(Pronounced awr-i-guhn and sey-luhm)

To remember the capital of the US state Oregon, use the following mnemonic:

The oars had gone (Oregon), but they had a sale on umbrella (Salem), so we used them instead.

Interesting facts about Salem:

- Cherry City Roots: In the mid-20th century, the city earned the sweet nickname “The Cherry City” because it was one of the nation’s top producers of sweet cherries and home to massive annual harvest celebrations.

- A History of Motion Pictures: The city has a surprisingly deep cinematic connection, having served as the filming location for several notable 20th-century Hollywood films, including the classic thriller One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest.

- Willamette Heritage: The city preserves its pioneer past at the Willamette Heritage Center, which features a collection of 19th-century wooden historic buildings, including the region’s oldest standing woolen mill.