Portland celebrates the return of downtown’s elk statue landmark
By Sami Edge
Published on April 13, 2026.
The Thompson Elk Fountain statue was reinstalled in downtown Portland after being removed from its original location in 2020 due to violent protests. The statue was donated to the city by former Mayor David P. Thompson in 1900 to honor the majestic animal that once roamed the Willamette Valley. The restoration of the statue was delayed several times due to delays in its restoration. Hundreds gathered for a celebration at the event, with some attendees wearing commemorative antlers. The mayor, Keith Wilson, claimed the statue would return to a "resurgent downtown" and indicated that the restoration of this landmark represents a milestone in Portland's rebuilding efforts.
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