Bust of York

The Bust of York is a bronze-painted sculpture located at Mount Tabor Park in Portland, showing the head and shoulders of the explorer. The work stands on a pedestal and measures approximately four feet tall, crafted from wood and urethane materials.

The sculpture was created by artist Todd McGrain in February 2021 and installed on a pedestal that had previously held a different monument. This placement marked a shift in how the city chose to recognize figures whose contributions had been historically overlooked.

The sculpture was placed as a form of public recognition for an explorer whose story had been largely overlooked in the city's monuments. York's presence in this location draws visitors to learn about his role in one of America's most important expeditions.

Visit during clear daylight hours when you can see the pedestal clearly and enjoy the surrounding park views. Note that the sculpture has been in storage for several years and may only be viewable during special exhibitions or relocated displays.

The sculpture was initially installed without official permission, with the artist choosing to remain anonymous at first. This unexpected action sparked an important conversation about public monuments and whose stories deserve to be told in shared spaces.

GPS coordinates: 45.51158,-122.59239

Latest update: December 10, 2025 15:54