Salem, Oregon Salem, Oregon Salem is the capital of the U.S. state of Oregon, and the county seat of Marion County. It is located in the center of the Willamette Valley alongside the Willamette River, which runs north through the city. The river forms the boundary between Marion and Polk counties, and the city neighborhood of West Salem is in Polk County. Salem was founded in 1842, became the capital of the Oregon Territory in 1851, and was incorporated in 1857. Salem had a population of 154,637 at the 2010 census, making it the third largest city in the state after Portland
History of Oregon State Beavers football stepped out onto the field as 15-point favorites. 28,000 people turned out to see what most hoped would be Oregon State's first win in two years. On the third play from scrimmage, Fresno State's Sergio Toscan threw an 81-yard touchdown pass for a 7-0 Bulldog lead. He followed it up with a five-yard touchdown pass later in the first quarter, 14-0. In the second quarter, Fresno State tacked on another touchdown on a blocked punt, 21-0. On the Bulldogs' opening drive of the second half, Sergio Toscan threw a third touchdown pass, opening up a 28-0 lead. Oregon State responded.