Marcus Whitman Statue

The Marcus Whitman statue was dedicated in 1953. It is located in the Legislative Building foyer, next to the front desk at the north entrance. This statue is a replica of the Marcus Whitman statue in the National Statuary Hall in Washington, D.C. The Washington State Legislature selected Marcus Whitman and Mother Joseph to be represented in the National Statuary Hall. The replica Mother Joseph statue is also located in the Legislative Building foyer, just across the room from the Marcus Whitman statue.

Marcus Whitman was a medical missionary and early pioneer of the Oregon Territory. He is remembered mostly for helping to lead the first large party of wagon trains along the Oregon Trail, establishing it as a viable route for the thousands of emigrants who used the trail in the following decade. Whitman's mission site, established in 1836, is located near present day Walla Walla. Whitman College and Whitman County are named after him.

The statue was designed by Avard Fairbanks, who also sculpted the George Washington Bust that's on the second floor of the Legislative Building.