Lewis, Meriwether and William Clark, Sculpture
Also known as: Their First View of the Pacific
Approximate location: the National Park Service places this pin arbitrarily within the property, not at a surveyed point (stated accuracy ±12 m).
Why it's listed
Standing in a small landscaped circle near Charlottesville's downtown mall, this 18-foot bronze and granite monument depicts Meriwether Lewis, William Clark and Sacagawea at the moment of looking toward the western ocean. Sculptor Charles Keck designed both the figures and the pink granite pedestal. The bronze was cast in Brooklyn and the pedestal was executed by a Washington firm. Low reliefs around the base show a buffalo hunt, a council with Native peoples, an Indian dance and the homecoming of Sacagawea. Erected in 1919, it was the first of four sculptures given by philanthropist Paul Goodloe McIntire to Charlottesville and the University of Virginia. Keck was a prominent member of the National Sculpture Society whose figurative work reflected the late City Beautiful movement. The monument is recognized for its artistic merit and for keeping its original location, design, setting and materials. Its circle is a remnant of the once-larger Midway Park.
Significance in brief: The work is considered significant under Criterion C at the state level as an important art object exhibiting the figurative style of outdoor sculpture by members of the National Sculpture Society, whose origins are tied to the City Beautiful movement. It was the first of four sculptures donated by philanthropist Paul Goodloe McIntire. It retains its historic integrity.
Machine-generated summary. This summary was generated by a language model from the official nomination document and has not been reviewed line by line by an editor. It may contain errors. Check the source document before relying on any detail. Source: nomination document (PDF) · National Archives catalog entry. NRHP reference 97000449, listed May 16, 1997. Summary generated October 2026 (model claude-sonnet-5-5, prompt v1.0-2026-10-29, confidence high).
Key facts
| Address | Jct. of Ridge and W. Main Sts., and McIntire Rd., Charlottesville (Independent City) |
|---|---|
| County | Charlottesville |
| Listed | May 16, 1997 |
| Reference number | 97000449 |
| Resource type | Object |
| Period of significance | 1919-1924 |
| Architect / builder | Keck, Charles |
| Criteria |
|
| Areas of significance | Art |
| Level of significance | State |
| Status (as stated in the nomination) | Retains historic integrity; over 76 years of exposure have left a green patina on the bronze that has streaked and discolored the granite pedestal. |
| Acreage | 0.9 |
| Within district | Charlottesville and Albemarle County Courthouse Historic District |
| Coordinates | 38.03060, -78.48259 (NPS GIS) |
What listing means for this property
National Register listing is honorary: it recognises significance and does not restrict what a private owner may do without federal money or permits. It unlocks the 20% federal rehabilitation tax credit for income-producing buildings, state credits in many states, and Section 106 review when federal agencies are involved. See what listing means in practice.
General information, not legal or tax advice. Rules change; confirm with your State Historic Preservation Office or a qualified adviser.
Sources and further reading
- National Park Service, National Register of Historic Places database (snapshot May 2026), reference 97000449.
- Nomination form (PDF, National Archives) — catalog entry
- Wikipedia article (used for cross-checking only; text not reproduced here)
- Wikidata Q15253129
- This listing as JSON
Last updated October 2026. Found an error? See the editorial policy for how to report it.