Southwest Portland in Multnomah County, Oregon — The American West (Northwest)
Simon Benson
Photographed by Ian Lefkowitz, June 26, 2026
1. Simon Benson Marker
Originator of ocean-going log rafts
Sponsor of the Columbia River Highway
Benefactor of Benson Polytechnic School
Donor of Multnomah Falls Benson State Park
and Portlands drinking fountains
the students of Benson Polytechnic School
1959
Erected 1959 by Benson Polytechnic School.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Charity & Public Work.
Location. 45° 31.058′ N, 122° 40.92′ W. Marker is in Portland, Oregon, in Multnomah County. It is in Southwest Portland. It is on Southwest Salmon Street east of Southwest 9th Avenue, on the right when traveling east. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 811 SW Salmon St, Portland OR 97205, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker 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: Roosevelt Hotel (within shouting distance of this marker); Lincoln Bicentennial (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); The First Congregational Church of Portland (about 500 feet away); Simon and Helen Director Park / Teachers Fountain (about 500 feet away); Charles A. Sprague (about 500 feet away); The Washington Ellipse (about
this page online
Also see . . . Benson Bubblers (City of Portland).
In 1912, Simon Benson, a local businessman and philanthropist, donated $10,000 to the City of Portland to purchase and install 20 bronze drinking fountains, now known as Benson Bubblers. Local folklore tells us that Simon Benson donated the 20 bronze drinking fountains as an effort to keep loggers out of the saloons at lunchtime. Others say that Benson was inspired after seeing a little girl crying at a Fourth of July parade because she couldn't find a drink of water. Either way, the Benson Bubblers have become an enduring historic legacy here in Portland.(Submitted on August 24, 2026, by Ian Lefkowitz of New York, New York.)
Photographed by Ian Lefkowitz, June 26, 2026
2. Simon Benson Marker
The marker is located at the northern end of Shemanski Park.
Photographed by Ian Lefkowitz, June 26, 2026
3. Benson Bubbler
A 'Benson Bubbler' is located directly in front of the marker, one of dozens located across the City of Portland.
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 7 times since then. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on August 24, 2026, by Ian Lefkowitz of New York, New York. • James Hulse was the editor who published this page.
