Kennewick in Benton County, Washington — The American West (Northwest)
Call of the River
Photographed by Clayton Pickett, April 12, 2026
1. Call of the River Marker
The image shown above depicts an early 1900’s photograph of Mabel and Dorothy Smith relaxing on the Columbia River. The photo inspired the adjacent bronze sculpture “Call of the River” as it seemed to epitomize the community’s relationship to the Columbia River – as a place to relax and enjoy nature even while it sustained their daily lives. In 1904, the Smith sisters and their extended Norwegian family traveled to Kennewick from Genesee, Idaho in search of a better life. Like other early founders, they’d heard about Kennewick’s great farming potential due to the warm climate, fertile land and plentiful water supply for irrigation. The Smith family thrived and prospered in their new home. An uncle, Al Smith, served as one of the first Port of Kennewick Commissioners; and many of the sisters’ descendants (Mills, Eby and Otheim) continue to live in the area.
Even today, the Columbia River continues to nourish the region, providing irrigated agriculture, hydropower, critical habitat, fishing, recreation and tourism.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Settlements & Settlers • Waterways & Vessels. A significant historical year for this entry is 1904.
Location. 46° 13.052′ N, 119° 6.817′ W. Marker is in Kennewick, Washington, in Benton County. It is on North
this page online
Regionally, this marker is in Washington’s Columbia Basin and in Yakima Valley. It is also in the American Mountain West and in the Lewis & Clark Corridor. Globally, it is in North America, the Pacific Rim, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Clover Island (about 500 feet away, measured in a direct line); “The Green Bridge” (approx. 0.4 miles away); Vietnam Veterans Memorial (approx. 0.4 miles away); The Intercity Bridge (approx. 0.6 miles away); Pasco-Kennewick Old Bridge (approx. 0.6 miles away); The Shootout at Poplar Grove (approx. 0.6 miles away); Downtown Kennewick (approx. 0.7 miles away); First Methodist Church (approx. ¾ mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Kennewick.
Photographed by Clayton Pickett, April 12, 2026
2. Call of the River Statue
Credits. This page was last revised on April 16, 2026. It was originally submitted on April 12, 2026, by Clayton Pickett of Richland, Washington. This page has been viewed 18 times since then. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on April 12, 2026, by Clayton Pickett of Richland, Washington. • James Hulse was the editor who published this page.
Editor’s want-list for this marker. A wide view photo of the marker and the surrounding area together in context. • Can you help?
