Covered Wagon (sculpture) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Covered Wagon |
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The relief in 2008
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| Artist | Leo Friedlander |
| Year | 1934 |
| Type | Relief |
| Medium | Marble, granite |
| Subject | Pioneer family, horse, covered wagon |
| Condition | "Treatment needed" (1993) |
| Location | Salem, Oregon, United States |
| 44°56′20″N 123°01′50″W / 44.93880°N 123.03046°W | |
The Covered Wagon is a famous outdoor sculpture. It is also known as the Oregon Trail Immigrants Memorial or Pioneer Family. This artwork was created in 1934 by the artist Leo Friedlander. You can find this white marble sculpture outside the Oregon State Capitol building in Salem, Oregon, in the United States. It tells an important story about early American history.
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What is the Covered Wagon Sculpture?
This artwork is a type of sculpture called a high relief carving. This means the figures are carved out from a flat background but stick out quite a bit, almost like they are 3D. The sculpture shows a pioneer family, including a father, a mother, and a young boy. They are standing in front of a covered wagon, which was a common way for pioneers to travel long distances across America.
What Does the Sculpture Show?
The father in the sculpture faces west, shielding his eyes from the sun. This shows his hope and determination to reach new lands. The mother is kneeling and looking forward, perhaps thinking about their long journey. A horse is also part of the scene, ready to pull the wagon. The sculpture is made from beautiful white marble. It is quite large, measuring about 152 inches (3.86 meters) tall, 18.5 feet (5.64 meters) wide, and 91 inches (2.31 meters) deep.
Where Can You Find It?
The Covered Wagon sculpture is located right outside the main entrance of the Oregon State Capitol building. It sits on a strong granite base. This base is also quite large, measuring about 67 inches (1.7 meters) tall, 19.5 feet (5.94 meters) wide, and 90 inches (2.29 meters) deep. On the back of the sculpture, there is a map. This map shows the area covered by the famous Oregon Trail. It also has pictures that show what pioneer life was like.
What's the Message of the Sculpture?
The sculpture includes a special message carved into it. It reads: "LEO FRIEDLANDER SC VALIANT MEN HAVE THRUST OUR FRONTIERS TO THE SETTING SUN". This message honors the brave pioneers. It celebrates how they pushed America's borders westward, towards the Pacific Ocean. The artwork reminds us of their courage and the challenges they faced.
How is the Sculpture Cared For?
In 1993, experts looked at the sculpture as part of a program called "Save Outdoor Sculpture!". They found that the sculpture needed some care to keep it in good condition. The Facilities Division of the Oregon Department of Administrative Services helps to look after this important piece of art.
