Explorers at the Portage Statue
$23,000 Rehab Completed
$23,000 Rehab Completed
Explorers at the Portage after the new name plaques have been placed on the two low walls and grounds maintenance is completed
This bronze statue that made the Lewis and Clark Expedition a major part of the Montana Statehood Centennial celebration has stood the test of time for 28 years. However, the grounds needed some work.
The statue memorializes the time and toils of the Corps of Discovery as they labored to portage the five falls on the Missouri . There is a plaque for each expedition member plus Sgt. Floyd and Seaman. The original name plaques were slate. They eventually wore out, broke, and otherwise became unreadable from the overgrowth of bushes at the site.
The statue was dedicated on the 4th of July, 1989. That dedication was the first Lewis and Clark Festival that is now held annually in Great Falls.
The city of Great Falls owns the statue, but the Portage Route Chapter too on the project and funding when it was determined the city was unable to fund it through the Park and Recreation budget.
The statue memorializes the time and toils of the Corps of Discovery as they labored to portage the five falls on the Missouri . There is a plaque for each expedition member plus Sgt. Floyd and Seaman. The original name plaques were slate. They eventually wore out, broke, and otherwise became unreadable from the overgrowth of bushes at the site.
The statue was dedicated on the 4th of July, 1989. That dedication was the first Lewis and Clark Festival that is now held annually in Great Falls.
The city of Great Falls owns the statue, but the Portage Route Chapter too on the project and funding when it was determined the city was unable to fund it through the Park and Recreation budget.
Explorers at the Portage statue as it look when it was first completed
When it came time to replace the name plaques the group decided that although the original slate plaques had lasted 20 + years they should be replaced with a harder stone. Granite was selected. By placing the name plaques on an upright wall their longevity was further extended and area maintenance was reduced. The addition of the walls changed the overall look of the memorial and brought more focus on the individuals that were on the Expedition in addition to the 4 figures represented in bronze.
Re-dedication ceremonies will be held on July 4, 2017.
Re-dedication ceremonies will be held on July 4, 2017.
