The Circuit Rider facts for kids
Quick facts for kids The Circuit Rider |
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The sculpture in 2014
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| Artist | Alexander Phimister Proctor |
| Year | 1924 |
| Type | Sculpture |
| Medium | Bronze |
| Location | Salem, Oregon |
| 44°56′17″N 123°01′43″W / 44.938031°N 123.028684°W | |
The Circuit Rider is a large bronze sculpture created by Alexander Phimister Proctor. You can find it in Capitol Park, which is just east of the Oregon State Capitol building in Salem, Oregon, in the United States.
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What is The Circuit Rider Statue?
This impressive statue shows a person riding a horse. It represents a "circuit rider," which was a special kind of minister in the early days of Oregon. These ministers traveled long distances on horseback to visit small towns and pioneer settlements.
The statue honors these brave people. They were not just religious leaders. They also became friends, advisors, and helpers to the pioneers. They brought hope and guidance to people living in new, undeveloped areas across America. The statue shows how important these missionaries were to Oregon's history.
How the Statue Was Made and Given
The Circuit Rider statue is very heavy, weighing about 3.5 tons. It was made from bronze by a company called Roman Bronze Works in New York. The statue was given as a gift to the State of Oregon in 1924.
It was given in memory of Robert Booth. He was a pioneer minister in the Oregon Country. His son, Robert Asbury Booth, donated the statue. Robert Asbury Booth was a successful businessman from Eugene. He also served as an Oregon State Highway Commissioner.
The Statue's Journey and Repairs
The statue was first placed in front of the old Capitol building. When the new Capitol building was constructed around 1936–1937, the statue was moved. It was turned to face west. This direction symbolizes the many people who traveled west to Oregon.
In 1962, a big storm called the Columbus Day Storm of 1962 hit. A tree fell on the statue, knocking it off its base. The statue lay on its side for several months. Then, it was sent to James Lee Hansen's studio in Vancouver, Washington for repairs. The Circuit Rider was put back on its base in August 1963.
Later, in 1993, experts from the Smithsonian Institution checked the statue. They were part of a program called Save Outdoor Sculpture!. They decided that the statue needed more care and repair work.
Images for kids
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The sculpture in 2014
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The statue in 1924
