Keizer (/ˈkaɪzər/) is a city located in Marion County, Oregon, United States, along the 45th parallel.

It lies in the Willamette Valley, and is part of the Salem Metropolitan Statistical Area.

It was named after pioneer Thomas Dove (T. D.) Keizur and his family, who arrived in the Wagon Train of 1843, and later filed donation land claims.

[5][6] The settlement suffered in the flood of 1861, and the inhabitants rebuilt their homes on higher ground.

Further floods in 1943, 1945, 1946 and 1948 hampered the growth of the community, and it was not until dams were built in the 1950s to regulate the flow of the Willamette that Keizer began to flourish.

It was not until November 2, 1982, that, with the support of the nearby unincorporated community of Clear Lake, residents voted to make Keizer a city.

[4] The annual KeizerFEST, formally known as the Iris Festival, takes place in May and showcases Keizer's iris-growing industry.

[13][14] Events include a carnival, a beer garden, craft and food vendors, a 5k walk/run, a vintage car show, and a parade.

[15] The school, built in 1916, has been completely restored and is the only public historic building in Keizer.

Keizer has been a long supporter of its lone high school's sports teams, the McNary Celtics.

[18] The first schoolhouse in the Keizer area was built in 1878, and its first teacher was Nina McNary, older sister of U.S.

[19] The first school was torn down in 1915 and replaced in 1916 with the building that now serves as the Keizer Heritage Community Center.