The Pioneer Mother Memorial

The Pioneer Mother Memorial is a bronze sculpture in a public park depicting a woman in pioneer clothing with three children at her side. The mother holds a flintlock rifle while wearing a long dress and shawl, with a young boy grasping her skirt and two daughters standing close beside her.

The sculpture was created in 1928 by American sculptor Avard Fairbanks to honor the early settlers of the region. It was commissioned by banker Edward Crawford and his wife Ida to commemorate the pioneer era.

The memorial honors the strength and determination of pioneer mothers who led their families during westward settlement. It embodies the central role that women played in establishing early communities.

The memorial stands on a concrete and granite base in an accessible park setting and is easy to reach on foot. A relief on the back depicts oxen pulling a covered wagon, adding visual context to pioneer-era travel.

The memorial was named after Esther Short, one of the first US citizens at Fort Vancouver, though it also represents early pioneer mothers in general. The work blends personal history with broader symbolic meaning of western settlement.

Creator: Avard Fairbanks

GPS coordinates: 45.62708,-122.67493

Latest update: December 14, 2025 12:26