Bust of York at Portland’s Mount Tabor Park: Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Historical Sites Guide
Date: 04/07/2025
Introduction
The Bust of York at Mount Tabor Park is a landmark of profound cultural and historical significance in Portland, Oregon. This monument honors York, the only Black member of the Lewis and Clark Expedition, and stands as a symbol of resilience, inclusion, and the ongoing quest for historical justice. Installed in 2021 by artist Todd McGrain, the bust sparked citywide dialogues about representation in public spaces and has become a focal point for education and reflection (OPB; Denver Public Library). This detailed guide provides essential information for planning your visit, understanding York’s legacy, and exploring the broader context of the monument within Portland’s public memory.
Table of Contents
- Overview of the Bust of York
- Historical Background: York and the Lewis and Clark Expedition
- Visiting Information: Location, Hours, Accessibility, and Directions
- Cultural and Social Significance
- Visitor Experience and Amenities
- FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions
- Conclusion & Call to Action
- References and Further Reading
Overview of the Bust of York
The Bust of York is a prominent public art installation in Mount Tabor Park, a historic and scenic green space in Southeast Portland. The sculpture commemorates York’s critical contributions as a member of the Corps of Discovery, elevating his narrative within American history. The monument, crafted by Todd McGrain, was installed on a vacant pedestal previously occupied by a statue of Harvey Scott, symbolizing a reclamation of public space for marginalized stories (Willamette Week).
Historical Background: York and the Lewis and Clark Expedition
York: Early Life and Enslavement
Born in the late 1770s, York was enslaved by the Clark family in Virginia and served as William Clark’s manservant. Despite enduring the hardships of bondage, including forced separation from his wife, York developed a complex relationship with Clark. When the Lewis and Clark Expedition was organized in the early 1800s, Clark insisted on York’s participation—underscoring both his value and lack of agency within the expedition (Denver Public Library).
The Corps of Discovery: Diversity and York’s Role
The expedition, launched in 1804, was notable for its diverse composition, including Sacagawea, a Shoshone woman, and Toussaint Charbonneau, a French Canadian. York’s physical strength, skills, and presence influenced interactions with Native American nations, who saw him as a figure of “big medicine.” York was granted a vote on at least one expedition decision—a rare occurrence for an enslaved man at the time (Oregon Historical Society).
Legacy and Recognition
After the expedition, York remained enslaved and his later life is shrouded in mystery. In recent years, York’s story has gained wider recognition as a symbol of the resilience and contributions of African Americans to the nation’s history (OPB).
Visiting Information: Location, Hours, Accessibility, and Directions
Location:
Mount Tabor Park, 5801 SE Ash St, Portland, OR 97215
Mount Tabor Park Official Page
Visiting Hours:
Open daily from 5:00 AM to 10:00 PM. The bust is accessible during all park hours.
Admission:
No tickets or fees are required; visiting the bust is free.
Getting There:
- By Car: Parking lots and limited street parking are available near park entrances.
- Public Transit: Multiple TriMet bus routes serve stops near the park.
- By Bike/Foot: Paved paths connect entrances to the summit where the bust is located.
Accessibility:
- Paved, ADA-compliant paths lead to the bust, but some areas of the park are hilly.
- Wheelchair users should consult park accessibility maps (Portland.gov ADA Access Tips).
- Service animals are welcome.
Amenities:
Restrooms, drinking fountains, picnic areas, playgrounds, and scenic viewpoints are available throughout the park.
Cultural and Social Significance
Reclaiming Public Spaces
The installation of the York bust—anonymously and without prior city approval—represented a bold reimagining of who is honored in public art. Its placement on the former Harvey Scott pedestal made a powerful statement about shifting historical narratives (Smithsonian Magazine; CNN).
Visibility and Representation
The monument brought overdue attention to York and to the broader exclusion of Black and Indigenous stories from Portland’s public memory. Community members, educators, and city officials have used the site as a catalyst for dialogue about inclusivity and historical justice (Portland.gov).
Art as Activism and Community Dialogue
The bust’s guerrilla installation sparked debate about public art, civic process, and activism. Despite its eventual vandalism and removal, the community rallied for a permanent monument, highlighting ongoing struggles and progress in representing marginalized histories (Artnet News; OregonLive).
Educational Impact and Community Engagement
Schools, historical societies, and local organizations now incorporate the bust and York’s story into educational programs, tours, and commemorations such as Black History Month and Juneteenth.
Visitor Experience and Amenities
What to Expect
The bust, modeled in a contemplative stance, is surrounded by native landscaping and benches—ideal for reflection and photography. Interpretive plaques (or digital resources) provide context for York’s life and achievements.
Photography and Etiquette
Photography is welcome. Please respect those using the site for reflection or education; do not climb the sculpture, and keep noise to a minimum. Dogs are allowed but must be leashed near art installations.
Nearby Attractions
- Within Mount Tabor Park: Walking and biking trails, picnic areas, volcanic cinder cone, playgrounds, and panoramic city views.
- Nearby: Belmont and Hawthorne neighborhoods with dining and shopping; the Oregon Historical Society and Portland Art Museum are a short transit ride away.
Safety
The park is patrolled and considered safe during daylight hours. Emergency call boxes are available throughout the park.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What are the Bust of York visiting hours?
A: The site is accessible during Mount Tabor Park’s open hours, daily from 5:00 AM to 10:00 PM.
Q: Is there an entrance fee or ticket required?
A: No, the bust is free and open to all.
Q: Is the site wheelchair accessible?
A: Yes, paved and ADA-compliant paths lead to the bust; for further accommodations, contact Portland Parks & Recreation Accessibility Office.
Q: Are guided tours available?
A: Local organizations occasionally offer tours that include the bust. Check the Portland Parks & Recreation events calendar or community calendars.
Q: Can I bring my dog?
A: Yes, dogs are welcome but must be leashed near art installations.
Q: When is the best time to visit?
A: Early mornings and late afternoons on weekdays provide a quieter experience and ideal lighting for photos.
Conclusion & Call to Action
The Bust of York at Mount Tabor Park is a powerful site for honoring a pivotal, often overlooked figure in American history. Its presence catalyzes conversations about representation, public memory, and social justice in Portland and beyond. Visiting this monument provides a chance to reflect on York’s legacy and to participate in a broader movement for inclusive storytelling through public art.
Plan your visit today—explore the monument, enjoy the natural beauty of Mount Tabor Park, and support local cultural institutions. For updates, guided audio tours, and interactive maps, download the Audiala app and follow Portland Parks & Recreation on social media.
Visual & Accessibility Resources
- For official images and virtual tours, visit the Portland Parks & Recreation gallery.
- Suggested Alt Text:
- “Bust of York at Mount Tabor Park, Portland, Oregon”
- “Visitors viewing the York bust commemorating the Black explorer”
- “Mount Tabor Park pathways leading to the York monument”
References and Further Reading
- New Mysterious Portland Monument Honors York, Early Explorer of Oregon, OPB
- York: American Hero, Denver Public Library
- Sculptor of Mount Tabor’s York Bust Reveals His Identity, Willamette Week
- Reclaiming Historical Narratives: York Bust in Public Space, Smithsonian Magazine
- York Bust Sparks Citywide Dialogue on Race and Public Memory, CNN
- Mount Tabor Park Official Page, Portland Parks & Recreation
- Portland Arts and Monuments: York Bust Updates
- Artnet News: Exclusive Interview with Anonymous Artist
- OregonLive: York Statue Toppled in Apparent Vandalism
