Southwest Portland in Multnomah County, Oregon — The American West (Northwest)

A Lewis and Clark Botanical Memorial

Photographed by Ian Lefkowitz, June 25, 2026

1. A Lewis and Clark Botanical Memorial Marker

Inscription.
The Lewis and Clark Expedition of 1804–1806 has been described by biohistorian Prof. Paul R. Cutright, as “the transcendent achievement of its kind in this hemisphere, if not the entire world…[their] journeys are among the glories of American history.” Clearly, the record of this bold venture, penned indelibly in Lewis’ poetic license and Clark’s inspired spelling, has become a legacy of America as enduring as the vast lands through which the expedition traveled.

The documented observations contributed by Lewis and Clark and their partners in discovery provided extensive new knowledge to the scientific world, specifically in the disciplines of botany, zoology, geography, and ethnology. Politically, the brilliant success of the exploring enterprise marked a vital strengthening of U.S. claims to the “Oregon Country” and had far-reaching impacts upon international relations. The expedition’s achievements set the stage for America’s westward expansion and fulfillment of the nation’s dream of “Manifest Destiny.”

In the field of botany, a total of 178 plant species new to science, found throughout their transcontinental journey,

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were reported by the explorers. Of their Pacific Northwest species, those suited to the environment of the Downtown Waterfront Park form the theme for this memorial. Interpretive displays explaining the discovery of the plants, and their historical uses, are installed throughout the park. Individual species are identified by markers within the planting beds.

A Volunteer Oregon Heritage Contribution by Greater Portland Area Federal Employees, 1977

(Captions)
Ragged Robin (Clarkia pulchella)
Bitterroot (Lewisia rediviva)
Charles Wilson Peal portraits from The Independence National Historical Park Collection, Philadelphia
Clarkia pulchella drawing from Frederic Pursh’s Flora Americae Septentrionalis, 1814.
Lewisia rediviva drawing from Curtis’s Botanical Magazine, 1863

Erected 1977 by Greater Portland Area Federal Employees.

Topics and series. This historical marker and memorial is listed in these topic lists: Exploration • Horticulture & Forestry. In addition, it is included in the Lewis & Clark Expedition series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1805.

Location. 45° 31.348′ N, 122° 40.224′ W. Marker is in Portland,

A Lewis and Clark Botanical Memorial image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Ian Lefkowitz, June 25, 2026

2. A Lewis and Clark Botanical Memorial

The marker is located on Naito Parkway, overlooking Tom McCall Waterfront Park.

Oregon, in Multnomah County. It is in Southwest Portland. It is at the intersection of Southwest Naito Parkway and Southwest Ankeny Street, on the right when traveling south on Southwest Naito Parkway. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Portland OR 97204, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker and memorial is in Oregon’s Columbia River Gorge

and in the Willamette Valley.

It is also on the American Pacific Coast,

in the Pacific Northwest,

and in the Lewis & Clark Corridor.

Globally, it is in North America,

on the Ring of Fire,

in the Pacific Rim,

in the Western Hemisphere,

in the Western World,

and in the Anglosphere.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Ladd and Tilton Bank Interior (within shouting distance of this marker); Ankeny Arcade (within shouting distance of this marker); The First Telephone Exchange in Portland (within shouting distance of this marker); Fighting Fire With Steam Power (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Blagen Block (about 500 feet away); Louis Building (about 500 feet away);

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Japanese American Historical Plaza (about 600 feet away); Benjamin Stark (about 600 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Portland.

Another marker is no longer nearby. New Market Theatre (was about 400 feet away but has been confirmed missing).

Also see . . . "A Lewis and Clark Botanical Memorial" (Pacific Northwest Photoblog).

The placement, and the subject matter of the plaque strikes me as rather odd...I do not know if the beds were ever installed. They certainly are not there now, nor have a I seen any pictures of the beds or even postcards.

(Submitted on August 24, 2026, by Ian Lefkowitz of New York, New York.)

Credits. This page was last revised on August 25, 2026. It was originally submitted on August 24, 2026, by Ian Lefkowitz of New York, New York. This page has been viewed 8 times since then. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on August 24, 2026, by Ian Lefkowitz of New York, New York. • James Hulse was the editor who published this page.