ABRAHAM LINCOLN STATUE

Challenge:

The Lincoln statue was toppled in October 2020 by protesters and damaged extensively. The public was engaged in a 2024 Monuments Symposium and the statue will be returned by order of the former Portland city council. The statue’s repairs were completed in 2025 and paid for mostly by insurance. The city is working on returning the statue to the same site and getting support from the Access Recreation committee to improve its accessibility for all. The city says its also getting support from the Lincoln Institute and Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde for balanced, suitable text for interpretive signage, including a QR code to read more information.

Recently, the Regional Arts & Culture Council announced finalized plans to return the statue, but take it off its pedestal, which would remain near the now ground-level figure. The stated rationale is improved accessibility. But this decision, which comes as a complete surprise to the Historic Landmarks Commission, appears not to consider the extremely negative optics of "knocking Lincoln off his pedestal” and the potential publicity backlash it could generate for Portland. Logic would also suggest this move increases the likelihood of vandalism and wear and tear from being touched and climbed on. And finally, from an artistic perspective (literally), this is a work of art designed to be viewed from an elevated base. New approaches to making public art accessible is a worthy goal, but were these other concerns thought through?

Preferred outcome:

For the statue to be returned soon to its original site and pedestal, with interpretive information and appropriate accessibility that doesn’t denigrate, damage, or distort.

Decision maker:

On March 6, 2024, the city of Portland commissioners voted unanimously to restore the Lincoln statue and three other statues.

Action needed:

The AHC will monitor the reinstallation plan and advocate appropriately.

Find more information:

https://www.portland.gov/arts/monuments/whats-happening-citys-monuments/abraham-lincoln

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Statue_of_Abraham_Lincoln_(Portland,_Oregon)

Formerly in the Park Blocks of Portland

Updated 5-28-26

Description & Significance:

This statue was the creation of American sculptor George Fite Waters, who has the distinction of being the last student of the great French sculptor Auguste Rodin. Waters is also noted for his sculpture of anti-slavery crusader John Brown in Osawatomie, Kansas. The ten-foot statue was one of several gifts, including the Joan of Arc statue at Coe Circle, from local physician Henry Waldo Coe to the city of Portland.

This 1927 bronze and granite statue with Lincoln’s head inclined and one leg well forward has been described as emanating “great energy and restrained power.” It stood on a tall granite base.

As our 16th president, Lincoln maintained the Union and defeated the Confederate forces in the Civil War during his 1861-1865 Presidency. He is remembered for his opposition to slavery, the 1863 Emancipation Proclamation, and the reunification of the United States.