Lewis and Clark

Lewis and Clark is a white Vermont marble relief sculpture positioned at the Oregon State Capitol entrance, showing the two captains alongside Sacagawea. The reverse side features an engraved map tracing the full route of their historic expedition.

Leo Friedlander created this sculpture in 1934 to honor the Corps of Discovery expedition that explored western territories from 1804 to 1806. The work was commissioned during a period when such monuments celebrated the nation's western expansion.

The reverse side depicts hunting scenes and interactions between the explorers and Native American groups they encountered on their journey west. These carved images show moments of daily life and trade during their travels.

Both the front relief and reverse side with the engraved map are accessible for visitors to examine and photograph. Plan to spend time viewing both sides to understand the full composition.

The sculpture is titled 'Westward the Star of Empire Takes Its Way' and forms part of a larger network of memorials connected to the expedition's route. This system of sites helps visitors trace the geographic scope of the historic journey.

Creator: Leo Friedlander

GPS coordinates: 44.93871,-123.03008

Latest update: December 14, 2025 17:00