Historic Monuments Set to Return
After nearly five years, the statues of Abraham Lincoln and Theodore Roosevelt will soon return to Portland’s South Park Blocks. The decision follows a lengthy public engagement process that sought community input on how to handle the monuments toppled during the “Indigenous Peoples Day of Rage” protests in 2020.
According to a report from The City of Roses, most participants in recent forums agreed that the statues should be restored, though opinions differed on how best to present them in today’s cultural context.
Public Opinion Divided but Determined
During the public sessions, many residents voiced strong feelings about the statues’ removal. One participant emphasized that the monuments should be restored because “anarchists illegally took them down.” Others expressed concern that allowing such acts to stand unchallenged would set a dangerous precedent.
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Several attendees rejected what they called the “erasure of monuments,” saying Portland should instead have “an elevated conversation” about how to contextualize these historical figures for modern audiences.
A number of participants also proposed that, rather than removing controversial monuments, the city could add plaques or exhibits explaining the broader historical legacies of Lincoln and Roosevelt — including both their accomplishments and their controversies.
Balancing History and Modern Values
Throughout the discussions, the idea of recontextualization remained a recurring theme. While some Portlanders supported reinstalling the statues with updated educational displays, others felt the monuments should remain removed or relocated to other communities better suited to house them.
Several residents criticized the original vandalism, calling it an act of “unsanctioned destruction.” One local argued that a “mob of young, White anarchists should not dictate city policies,” and urged the city to allow public votes on the future of all removed monuments. Another attendee said, “The crowd that tore down the monuments does not represent Portland.”
A participant further noted, “Portland is a young city. We should preserve the limited past we have. Damaged monuments should be repaired and reinstalled as soon as possible. Criminal destruction of public art should not be an excuse for their permanent removal.”
Experts Weigh In
Deb Elliott, a professor at Portland State University’s Regional Research Institute, described the community’s views as split between two camps: those who wanted to add historical context to the monuments and those who wanted to restore them exactly as they were.
“The first group believes the monuments should include a complete narrative about the historical figure’s impact,” Elliott explained. “The other group simply wants the statues put back up as a matter of principle.”
Restoration Timeline Announced
City officials have confirmed that Lincoln’s statue will be reinstalled first, with work expected to begin in early 2026. The Theodore Roosevelt monument will follow approximately a year later.
While the city has not yet finalized the design or wording of potential contextual markers, leaders have promised to involve historians, Indigenous representatives, and community members in shaping how the monuments are presented to the public.
A Symbolic Step for Portland
The return of the Lincoln and Roosevelt statues marks a significant moment for Portland, symbolizing an attempt to balance historical preservation with social awareness.
Supporters see the decision as a stand for civic order and respect for history, while others view it as an opportunity to redefine how the city engages with its past. Regardless of viewpoint, the statues’ reinstatement represents Portland’s ongoing effort to reconcile its progressive identity with its historical heritage.
As the city prepares for their return, one thing is clear — the debate over Portland’s monuments is far from over, but the conversation has evolved from destruction to dialogue and restoration.
