Meriwether Lewis and William Clark Sculpture, Bronze monument in Charlottesville, Virginia, United States.
The Meriwether Lewis and William Clark Sculpture is a bronze work in Charlottesville depicting three figures rising over ten feet high and resting on a stone pedestal. The work portrays moments from their famous expedition and is situated within the city landscape to emphasize its historical importance.
Charles Keck created the bronze work in 1919 as one of several commemorative pieces commissioned by philanthropist Paul Goodloe McIntire for the city. This was part of a broader effort to document important historical moments in Charlottesville.
The figures show Lewis, Clark, and Sacagawea marking a moment of exploration that held great significance in American history. The title 'Their First View of the Pacific' reflects how this event was perceived and celebrated at the time.
The monument stands in a public location within the city and is easily accessible by foot. It gained recognition through its 1997 listing on the National Register of Historic Places, which speaks to its significance for the area.
The representation sparked discussions about different perspectives on the expedition's historical events. In 2021 the city council decided to remove the work after questions arose about how fairly it portrayed those involved.
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