Skidmore Fountain: A Timeless Portland Landmark
Discover the rich legacy of Portland’s oldest public artwork, its unique architecture, and its enduring influence on the city’s cultural heart.
Skidmore Fountain: The Living Heart of Old Town Chinatown
Skidmore Fountain remains one of Portland’s most enduring and historic public artworks, deeply interwoven with the city’s past and present. Located in the bustling intersection of SW First Avenue and Ankeny Street, just under the shadow of the Burnside Bridge, it serves as both a functional monument and a nexus for cultural activities in one of the oldest neighborhoods in Portland, Oregon.
Key Facts at a Glance
- Dedicated: September 22, 1888
- Designer: Olin Levi Warner
- Named For: Stephen G. Skidmore
- Location: SW First & Ankeny, Portland, Oregon
- Status: Portland Historic Landmark, contributing property to the Skidmore/Old Town Historic District
- Function: Watering place for people, horses, and dogs
Historical Background and Significance
The story of Skidmore Fountain is inseparable from the vision and generosity of Stephen G. Skidmore. A successful druggist and civic figure, Skidmore arrived in Oregon as a child in 1850 and became a vital part of Portland’s growth. His bequest of $5,000 upon his death in 1883 set in motion the creation of the fountain, which was intended as a gift for all citizens—including their horses and dogs—and as a memorial to civic values.
Additional funds came from associates Henry Failing, Tyler Woodward, and Charles Sitton, bringing the total to $18,000. The Portland City Council soon appointed a committee, including lawyer and artist C.E.S. Wood, who recommended the renowned sculptor Olin Levi Warner for the project.
Stephen G. Skidmore: Merchant, Philanthropist, Civic Leader
- Arrived in Portland in 1850, began as ‘carrier’ for The Oregonian newspaper
- Founded a successful druggist business in 1867
- Served on Portland City Council (1875-1878)
- Representative for Oregon at the 1878 Paris Exposition
- Lifelong volunteer firefighter
- Died in 1883 after a long struggle with lung illness
Architectural Features and Artistic Heritage
Sculptor Olin Levi Warner drew inspiration from Skidmore’s favorite fountains at Versailles and those seen during the Paris Exposition. Warner’s design established a grand yet practical monument, with cascading water offered at three heights—a lower trough for dogs, a middle one for horses, and a top bowl for people—reflecting the social context of late 19th-century Portland.
- Material: Carved from durable stone, selected for weather resistance and public access
- Design Style: Classical elements referencing continental European urban fountains
- Unique Feature: Three-tier arrangement enabling animals and humans to use the fountain simultaneously
- Inscription: Northwest face bears a quote from C.E.S. Wood—“Good citizens are the riches of a city.”
A Table: Skidmore Fountain – Design Details
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Main Structure | Stone, classical in form, multi-tiered |
| Top Tier | Bowl for people |
| Middle Tier | Accessible for horses |
| Lower Tier | Designed for dogs |
| Inscriptions | Northwest face: “Good citizens are the riches of a city” |
| Location | Intersection of SW First and Ankeny, under Burnside Bridge |
Legend and Dedication: Beer at the Fountain?
Among local legends, Henry Weinhard’s proposal to pump beer into the fountain for the opening day is especially cherished. While the offer was declined (council members worried about drunk horses), it epitomizes the spirit of Portland’s early innovators.
Context and Changing Role Through Time
When installed, Skidmore Fountain stood at the commercial heart of Portland, on the city’s main thoroughfare. As business migrated south and west, the area surrounding the fountain transitioned to a warehouse district and suffered cycles of decline and revitalization.
- 1890s: Centerpiece of business activity, hub for community gatherings
- Early 20th Century: Calls to relocate the fountain due to district changes
- 1962: “Skidmore Fountain Plaza” was inaugurated during urban renewal efforts
- Today: Still the heart of Portland Saturday Market and a central site for public events
Modern Day: Cultural Centerpiece and Gathering Space
In the present, the fountain is more than a historical artifact—it is the spiritual center of Old Town Chinatown. It remains a focal point for street performers, local artisans, and public gatherings, especially during the vibrant Portland Saturday Market. The open plaza around the fountain buzzes with musicians, magicians, and crowds from across the city.
- Events such as SantaCon, Plunderathon, Zombiewalk, and city protests converge at the fountain
- Accessible via the MAX Light Rail, which has a dedicated “Skidmore Fountain Station”
- Landmark for both locals and tourists, featured in guiding maps and historical tours
Restoration and Preservation
Skidmore Fountain has been recognized as a Portland Historic Landmark and is listed within the Skidmore/Old Town Historic District, which holds National Historic Landmark status. In 2005, restoration efforts helped to conserve the fountain’s architectural integrity and preserve its public utility. Ongoing initiatives ensure the monument remains accessible and beloved by future generations.
Community, Safety, and Resilience
Despite its beauty and central role, the area around Skidmore Fountain has faced urban challenges, including public safety concerns and episodes of social unrest. In the early 2000s, city reports noted significant issues, with the Skidmore Fountain Station area experiencing some of the highest drug-related arrest rates.
Notable Neighbors and Cultural Connections
Adjacent to the fountain is Portland Fire Station One, with the building’s west face honoring Stephen Skidmore—a nod to his civic service and historic ties to the fire department. Skidmore was a volunteer firefighter with Multnomah Engine Company #2, connecting the monument’s meaning to Portland’s first responders.
Legacy and Influence
The Skidmore Fountain’s legacy endures not just as an artistic landmark, but as an evolving hub for Portland’s diverse communities. Its unique design—providing water for humans and animals alike—reflects the inclusive intent of its founder. Its resilience mirrors the city’s own, weathering storms, floods, and urban changes while remaining a vital symbol of civic spirit.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can you drink from the Skidmore Fountain today?
A: The fountain was originally intended for people, horses, and dogs, but public health guidelines now discourage drinking directly from the original spouts.
Q: Who was Olin Levi Warner and why was he chosen?
A: Warner was one of America’s leading sculptors in the late 1800s. His friend C.E.S. Wood, an artist and influential lawyer, recommended him for the commission.
Q: Why is Skidmore Fountain considered a historic landmark?
A: It is Portland’s oldest public artwork and a keystone of Old Town. Designated as a historic landmark in recognition of its architectural significance and cultural history.
Q: How did the Skidmore Fountain influence the surrounding district?
A: The fountain helped define the business district in its early years and remains at the heart of efforts to revitalize Old Town Chinatown. It’s a centerpiece for market culture, public events, and urban history.
Q: Has the fountain always been in its current location?
A: Yes, although there were several discussions about moving it as early as the 1890s and again in the 1920s. It remains at SW First and Ankeny, anchoring the district’s historic identity.
Tips for Visiting
- Visit during Saturday Market for lively performances and local crafts.
- Arrive via MAX Light Rail—the Skidmore Fountain Station drops you steps from the plaza.
- Explore nearby historic sites and Old Town eateries for a complete urban adventure.
- Respect the landmark’s conservation by avoiding littering and reporting vandalism.
References in Art and Literature
- Referenced in Eugene E. Snyder’s Skidmore’s Portland: His Fountain and Its Sculptor (1973)
- Appears in local photographic archives and oral histories documenting the evolution of the district
- Frequently highlighted in walking tours and local heritage guides
Conclusion: Symbol of Portland’s Civic Ideals
More than a beautiful fountain, Skidmore Fountain embodies the civic ideals and community orientation that continue to define Portland. It bridges the past and present, inviting citizens and visitors to experience a piece of living history in the vibrant heart of Old Town Chinatown.
