Sometimes we get so used to seeing something, that even though it might be extraordinary, we simply stop seeing it. This is the case with some of Oregon’s most amazing natural wonders, like the Columbia River Gorge, Crater Lake, and Haystack Rock; these are bucket-list places we are surrounded with every day! The Beaver State is also home to some man-made monoliths that are truly remarkable, too, such as the massive Paul Bunyan Statue in Portland. Mr. Bunyan has been keeping a watchful eye over the weird and wonderful Rose City since 1959, and, believe it or not, there’s actually quite a reasonable explanation for this larger-than-life lumberjack.
Paul Bunyan is a bit of a folk hero here in the Beaver State. This legendary lumberjack speaks to Oregon’s rough-and-rugged pioneer roots.
mike krzeszak/Flickr
So the fact that there’s a massive Paul Bunyan statue on the streets of Portland, Oregon isn’t all that weird, actually…
paul hennon/Google Local
…except that this monolith is a whopping 31 feet tall!
paul hennon/Google Local
For reference on just how big Paul Bunyan is, the gentleman in this photograph is 6'2"!
Darin Barry/Flickr
In Portland’s Kenton neighborhood reigns a 31‐foot statue of Paul Bunyan, an impressive reminder of our state’s strong and storied history. You can’t miss him!
paul hennon/Google Local
The story behind this massive Paul Bunyan statue is actually quite simple, and not really weird at all. Bunyan was erected in 1959 in honor of the state’s 100th birthday, for the Oregon Centennial Exposition and International Trade Fair.
Portland Expo Center
The Portland Expo Center was selected as the location of the celebration, which brought in more than 1.5 million visitors over its 100-day run. Paul Bunyan was erected to welcome guests to this celebration.
wiredforlego/Flickr
Only one structure built for the centennial exists today: the man, the myth, the legend himself.
Matt P/Google Local
Bunyan’s legacy is bigger than he could have ever imagined. In addition to being an Oregon icon, this massive monolith is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Patrick A. Hall/Google Local Come and visit the burly Beaver State hero for yourself! You’ll be in awe of this larger-than-life lumberjack.
Did you know the story behind Oregon’s Paul Bunyan Statue? He really is a wonderful addition to the weird and wonderful state we all love so much!
mike krzeszak/Flickr
paul hennon/Google Local
Darin Barry/Flickr
Portland Expo Center
wiredforlego/Flickr
Matt P/Google Local
Patrick A. Hall/Google Local
Come and visit the burly Beaver State hero for yourself! You’ll be in awe of this larger-than-life lumberjack.
Feeling like flexing your own lumberjack muscles? Head to Portland Axe Throwing and embrace your inner Bunyan!
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