Lewis and Clark Memorial Column facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Lewis and Clark Memorial Column |
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The sculpture in 2006, viewed from the southwest
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| Year | 1908 |
| Type | Sculpture |
| Medium | Snake River granite, bronze |
| Dimensions | 10.5 m (34.5 ft); 0.76 m diameter (2.5 ft) |
| Condition | "Well maintained" (1993) |
| Location | Portland, Oregon, United States |
| 45°31′17″N 122°42′05″W / 45.521388°N 122.70139°W | |
| Owner | City of Portland's Metropolitan Arts Commission |
The Lewis and Clark Memorial Column is a tall outdoor statue in Washington Park, Portland, Oregon. It was created by artist Otto Schumann. This monument honors Meriwether Lewis and William Clark, who led a famous journey called the Lewis and Clark Expedition.
About the Monument
The monument is a tall column made from a type of rock called Snake River granite. It has a round sphere on top. The whole sculpture stands about 34 feet, 6 inches (about 10.5 meters) tall. It is about 2.5 feet (0.76 meters) wide.
The column sits on a square base that is about 5 feet, 5 inches (about 1.65 meters) tall. On the sides of this base, you can see bronze (metal) seals. These seals represent the states of Oregon, Washington, Idaho, and Montana. These areas were once part of the large Oregon Territory. A lit path leads up to the monument, making it easy to visit. The City of Portland's Metropolitan Arts Commission takes care of this artwork.
History of the Column
The idea for this memorial started around 1902. The Lewis & Clark Exposition Commission asked for it to be built. It cost about $10,500, which was a lot of money back then! It was meant to be a special gift from the people of Oregon to remember Lewis and Clark.
On May 21, 1903, President Theodore Roosevelt helped start the project by laying the first stone. The monument was finished and officially opened in 1908. In 1993, a group called "Save Outdoor Sculpture!" checked on the monument. They found it was still in very good condition.
