Coming of the White Man

Coming of the White Man is a bronze sculpture in Washington Park that depicts two Native American men watching the arrival of explorers from the river below. The figures stand on an elevated position overlooking the water, creating a vantage point that emphasizes their role as witnesses to this encounter.

The sculpture was created in 1904 to commemorate the 1805 arrival of the Lewis and Clark expedition at the confluence of the Snake and Columbia rivers. This artwork marks a turning point when European exploration intensified in the Pacific Northwest region.

The bronze figures show two Native American men frozen in a moment of observation as they witness the arrival of explorers from the river below. The younger man's raised branches suggest a gesture of acknowledgment or warning toward the approaching travelers.

The monument sits in Washington Park near cultural institutions on the southwestern side of the city, within easy walking distance of other attractions. The location offers views of the river and good access from multiple park entrances.

A plaster replica of this work stands at the Poppenhusen Institute in Queens on the opposite coast, making it one of few sculptures from this era with versions in multiple states. The artist created casts that traveled far beyond the Pacific Northwest where the original was installed.

GPS coordinates: 45.52322,-122.70308

Latest update: December 12, 2025 07:52