District 20
Oregon House District 20 includes the community of West Salem, portions of downtown and South Salem, and the cities of Independence and Monmouth.
The City of Monmouth is home to 9,335 permanent residents and Oregon's oldest public university, Western Oregon University. The city was settled by pioneers from Monmouth, Illinois, who immigrated with plans to start their own university.
Founded in 1856 as Monmouth University, Western Oregon University has gone through many name changes in its 152 years. WOU is a leading comprehensive public liberal arts institution and home to the nationally renowned Teaching Research Institute. Enrollment in 2007-2008 has reached 5,037, a university record. WOU and the City of Monmouth celebrated their Sesquicentennial (150th) anniversary in 2006. Throughout the year, the WOU campus and the City of Monmouth host several events that will pay tribute to its history. To learn more about Western Oregon University, visit www.wou.edu.
The City of Independence has a population of 7,715. It was first settled beginning in 1845. The name was derived from Independence, Missouri. From the late 1890's until the 1940's, Independence was known as the “Hop Capital of the World.” The climate and soil of the rich river bottom land made Independence and the surrounding areas ideal for growing hops. The hops productions dwindled and eventually ceased. Despite the loss of its agricultural industry, Independence has continued to grow and progress. Today, the City of Independence is a beautiful rural community that maintains the small town American atmosphere.
West Salem is located in Polk County on the west bank of the Willamette River. Originally established as a separate city and community, West Salem was annexed into the City of Salem in 1949. West Salem continues to thrive. West Salem High School is the newest of the Salem-Keizer district’s six high schools. West Salem is also home to Wallace Marine Park, combining river access for boaters and swimmers with a world class softball facility that draws teams and tournaments from across the nation. The retirement community in West Salem is active, highlighted by the facilities at Capital Manor and Salemtowne.
Across the Willamette River District 20 stretches into Marion County, encompassing downtown Salem, the Capitol building, the Capitol Mall and Willamette University, Oregon's first university. The district boundary then parallels the river to the south, reaching as far as Judson Middle School and Sprague High School, the 2003 state football champions. The beautiful neighborhoods south of Candelaria grade school including Laural Springs, Croisan Creek, Dorchester and Illahe are also part of District 20.
District 20 Links
