Oregon History

Oregon History is a monumental mural stretched across eight stories on the exterior walls of the Sovereign Hotel, displaying detailed scenes from Oregon's development. The artwork was completely repainted in 2016 and presented to the public in 2017.

The artwork was created in 1989 and portrays notable historical figures like John Jacob Astor, Lewis and Clark, Sacagawea, and York. The design weaves together the stories of Europeans and Native Americans in the region's early history.

The murals show scenes from Oregon's past, including covered wagons, fur trading, and encounters between European settlers and Native American communities. These visual stories blend different viewpoints on how the region developed.

The mural is clearly visible from street level and can be viewed for free from the sidewalk. It is worth viewing the artwork from different positions along the street to fully appreciate the perspective effects.

Artist Richard Haas used optical illusions to create three-dimensional effects that shift depending on your viewing angle. This trompe-l'oeil technique makes the mural an interactive artwork that changes as you move around different corners.

Location: Portland

Creator: Richard Haas

GPS coordinates: 45.51603,-122.68202

Latest update: December 14, 2025 17:42