Salem, Ore. — August 13, 2025 — At noon yesterday , Salem officials, community leaders, and local artists gathered at the corner of Portland Road and Hyacinth Street NE to cut the ribbon on the city’s newly corrected “Welcome to Salem, Capital of Oregon” sign — a striking blue-and-gold gateway intended to greet visitors and reaffirm the city’s pride.
A weathered wooden marker that had long been criticized for looking faded and neglected has been replaced by the new sign. The word SALEM is displayed in large gold letters on a deep blue background in this striking metal design, which is framed with elaborate flourishes reminiscent of the Oregon state flag. Flanking the text are Western meadowlarks and cherry blossoms, crafted by local metal artist Sarah Northcraft Martin, symbolizing Oregon’s state bird and Salem’s famous blossoms.
From Typo Trouble to Triumph…