In 1851, Salem became the territorial capital after it was moved from Oregon City. The capital was moved briefly to Corvallis in 1855, but was moved back to Salem permanently that same year. Salem incorporated as a city in 1857, and with the coming of statehood in 1859, it became the state capital.
in 1851 salem became the territorial capital after it was moved from oregon city the capital was moved briefly to corvallis in 1855 but was moved back to salem permanently that same year salem incorporated as a city in 1857 and with the coming of statehood in 1859 it became the state capital