Theodore Roosevelt, Rough Rider

Theodore Roosevelt, Rough Rider is an equestrian bronze sculpture mounted on a granite base that depicts the former president dressed in his military campaign uniform. The rider sits tall on horseback, creating a commanding presence in the South Park Blocks.

The memorial was commissioned in 1922 and dedicated in 1923 with Vice President Calvin Coolidge presiding over the ceremony. It honors Roosevelt's leadership of the Rough Riders during the Spanish-American War.

The Metropolitan Museum of Art documented the creation process of this bronze sculpture using the lost-wax casting method in an educational film.

The statue is located in South Park Blocks, a maintained public space with walkways that are easy to navigate. The site is accessible and offers nearby seating if you want to spend time observing the work.

The bronze sculpture made a remarkable journey through the Panama Canal from New York to Portland as one intact piece to protect its structure. This shipping route was chosen specifically to avoid the complications of dismantling and reassembling the work.

Location: Portland

Inception: 1921

Creator: Alexander Phimister Proctor

Made from material: bronze, granite

GPS coordinates: 45.51600,-122.68300

Latest update: December 9, 2025 18:42